Welcome fight fans to our live coverage of what is a super night of action on both sides of the Atlantic.
The night’s action is headlined by Amir Khan’s Las Vegas debut against Marcos Maidana but the action starts at 8pm GMT/3pm ET in Liverpool, England with top British prospects such as Nathan Cleverly, Kell Brook and Matthew Macklin fighting on the first-leg of Sky Box Office’s King Khan and The Brit Pack broadcast. The Liverpool show is headlined by an eagerly anticipated British Super Middleweight Title fight between hometown hero Paul Smith and former Olympic Gold Medallist James DeGale.
At 9.30pm ET/2.30am GMT our attention switches stateside for the live fights on the HBO Broadcast, with Victor Ortiz looking to impress against Lamont Peterson in the co-main event. Finally we get to see whether the hype surrounding Amir Khan is for real as he defends his WBA light-welterweight title against dangerous puncher and interim champion Marcos Maidana at the Mandalay Bay.
WBO Inter-continental welterweight title
Kell Brook (10st 6Ibs 8oz) v Philip Kotey (10st 4Ibs 8oz)
Round One
We kick things off with what is a keep busy fight for Kell Brook, who providing everyone goes well against the unknown Philip Kotey should be facing Mike Jones for some version of the WBO welterweight title at some point in 2011. Kotey is little travelled, having only fought outside of Africa once before. Brook is a close friend of Nasseem Hamed, having trained at the same gym as the former multi-weight world champion.
Brook starts with the jab and some right-left combinations. Kotey tries to fire back but Brook is out of range. Brook comes back and works the body. Starts to dominant, switching between head and body shots at will. Kotey has seemingly gone into survival mode, offering little to counter Brook’s strong start. Brook senses the weaknesses, pours forward and unloads punch after punch. Kotey sags against the ropes. A hook to the body and a couple of straight jabs open Kotey up, and Brook connects cleanly with a big right hand that knocks Kotey down. Kotey takes a long count and still looks on weak legs when the fight is restarted. Luckily for him the bell for the end of the round goes but there’s not much left for him. 10-8 to Brook.
Round Two
Brook is aggressive at the restart, looking for a quick finish. A big right hand at the very start almost drops Kotey, and Brook swarms him. A nice hook to the body is followed by an uppercut that doesn’t quite connect cleanly does almost put Kotey to the canvass. A couple of straight left jabs completely disorientate Kotey who lamely staggers backwards. The referee rightly stops the fight at 0:38 of the second round before the Ghanian took any unnecessary damage.
Kell Brook defeated Philip Kotey at 0:38 of the Second Round via TKO
In a four-rounder, Liam Smith (younger brother of headliner Paul) made short work of Matt Scriven in a four round welterweight contest, taking most of the fight until the referee stopped the fight 2:47 of the second round. Scriven disputed the stoppage but he was clearly badly effected by an uppercut that Smith landed square on his chin, with his legs visibly sagging.
European Middleweight Title
Matthew Macklin (11st 6Ibs) v Ruben Varon (11st 5Ibs)
Round One
Birmingham’s Matthew Macklin continues his return to the European Title scene with the first defense in his second reign. The former training partner of Ricky Hatton will be fighting Spain’s Ruben Varon, hoping to impress and move closer to that illusive world title shot. Macklin stops of strongly, moving forward with straight punches to the head and body. Varon is offering little in response to be begin with, instead intent on staying out of range of Macklin’s full power. Because of the sound defense and lack of ambition of Varon, nothing of note lands in the first round. The Spaniard does comes into the fight in the final minute, slipping in some cute punches on the inside but it doesn’t stop Macklin taking it 10-9.
Round Two
Macklin opens up in the second round, putting his punches together whereas in the opener he was throwing only in singles. He connects with two really nice right hands. Varon comes back with some good work to the body of Macklin, landing several good hooks. Macklin responds in kind as we get some excellent exchanges on the inside. Macklin’s round but the second half of the round suggests that Varon is here to fight. 20-18
Round Three
Varon slips the jab by Macklin’s defense but the champion responds with punches to the body. Macklin pushes the fight back to the center of the ring and the two of them exchange at close quarters. Little to no footwork in this round, the two just standing in front of each other and trading. Both showing tremendous quality with their offense, landing some excellent hooks to the body and head. The two of them actually land simultaneously with left hooks to the body. The referee is warning Varon to keep his punches up. Macklin is cut under the eye. Varon wilts slightly under a flurry of punches from Macklin, and Macklin tries to swarm him in the final moments of the round. Good round of action, that is taken by Macklin at the very end. 30-27
Round Four
More of the same with the two sharing very close exchanges in a fight. Macklin may well be playing into the hands of Varon by being too willing to stand in front of the Spaniard and trade but the he is easily outworking the challenger. This often means that Macklin puts together several punches only to fail to move out of range when he’s finished and so give Varon the opening to take a free hit. A closer round than the first three but Macklin takes it partly because of the increasing ill-discipline that is creeping into Varon’s game as he’s again warned for hitting low and largely because he’s just not doing enough to take the round. 40-36.
Round Five
Better from Varon who is working the jab and moving around the ring far more than in previous round. Macklin is unable to pierce through Varon’s defense as easily as in previous rounds, often hitting the arms only to be caught cleaning by the counter. Varon is putting together some really good combinations and Macklin is starting to look a bit listless as Varon looks to push the action. Disappointly after showing improved discipline for the round, Varon again hits low and ths one connects cleanly with you know what. The referee takes a point away from Varon and takes the count. Incredibly Varon is hit low again after the restart. 9-9 round due to the point deduction. 49-45
Round Six
Macklin seems to be lacking direction in the fight having been outmuscled in the past couple of fights by the stronger Varon. Macklin has slowed down considerably and is seemingly breathing heavily. Varon is taking much more of the fight, coming forward and landing an increasing number of punches cleanly. Macklin really isn’t offering much. A couple of occassions he just sags against the ropes. He shows some fire in putting together a fierce combination at the end but he’s clearly struggling. 58-55
Round Seven
Varon is looking really comfortable, with Macklin unable to gain the advantage he had in the first third of the fight. Varon is working the jab beautifully and is increasingly bringing in the cross and the hook. Whereas early on both were standing and tradding, Macklin is being pushed around and backed up by the stronger Varon. Another round for the challenger 67-65
Round Eight
A clearly tired Macklin boxes cleverly to steal a round by fighting in short bursts, limiting himself to flurries that provide the best action of the round, putting together quality combinations that show superior shot selection and variety than Varon. 77-74.
Round Nine
They stalk each other at the sart of the round, Macklin firing out some straight punches thta don’t connect. They connect at the same time with straight punches and Macklin almost look like he was about to buckle. He doesn’t and is gets some punches off at range but Varon walks him down again, trapping Macklin on a couple of occassions and unloading. A very close round but Varon probably takes it on aggression. 86-84
Round Ten
Very close round, with both fighters fighting at a slow pace after a grueling match. Neither is doing the same quantity or quality of work as they were early on. Varon again probably takes the round by virtue of being the aggressor.95-93
Round Eleven
Its ugly but Macklin is doing just enough to take the round, focusing on moving around the ring and avoid taking the power of Varon. Macklin is showing improved boxing intelligence, instead of being sucked into trading power punches with the stronger challenger he instead using his movement to hit and run throughout the round. With the round secured he finishes with a flourish, putting together several eyecatching combinations. 105-102.
Round Twelve
Varon tries to trap Macklin in the corner but Macklin escapes only to be walked down onto the ropes. Macklin holds to avoid taking any damage, something he does again. Macklin clearly wants to see out the round without taking any damage. However he can’t quite commit himself to such as defensive, stifiling tactics unwisely slugging it out on the ropes on a couple of occassions. Varon catches him cleanly and Macklin is in pure survival mode for the final forty seconds of the fight. Macklin is desperately holding on and seemingly spits out his gumshield in an attempt to buy time. He survives until the end but he has been through a war against an opponent that shouldn’t have given him this much trouble if Macklin is really as good as he thinks he is. I have him retaining on a score of 115-112.
The judges agree with victor but have a very different score with official scores of 116-111, 116-113 and 117-113. A bit too wide the margin of victory but it was a difficult fight to score. Macklin did not look like the world title challenger he so desperately wants to be, something he puts down to injury problems in the post-fight injury. More likely he switched off against what should have been a routine opponent. He got away with it though.
Matthew Macklin defeated Ruben Varon via unanimous decision (116-111, 116-113, 117-113)
WBO interim light-heavyweight title
Nathan Cleverly (12st 6Ibs 80z) v Nadjib Mohammedi (12st 7Ibs)
Round One
Nathan Cleverly is the surest, most exciting prospect in British boxing having won all the belts short of a world title (Commonwealth, British and European) before he had even finished his university education. Now he gets the chance to fight for the WBO Interim Title, with the possibility if the champion goes to jail that he’ll be automatically made the full champion. His opponent Nadjib Mohammedi is a late injury replacement but for once is somebody with a genuine pedigree – the French and EU (secondary European Title) champion.
Cleverly has a significant height and reach advantage and is using both to push Mohammedi around the ring with the leading jab. Mohammedi has a reputation for being illusive, moving around the ring quickly to avoid taking any damage from the Welshman. He does that effectively although Cleverly does come close to connecting with the poorly protecting chin of Mohammedi. Such focus on defense does mean he can’t stay in the pocket long enough to actually throw (let alone land) anything meaningful against Cleverly. 10-9 to Cleverly.
Round Two
Cleverly is trying to work out how he can force the action against the exceptionally defensive Mohammedi, pawing the jab forward whilst trying to create the opportunity. Not much action happening at all, with the two boxers’ styles really not clicking. Mohammedi goes on a late offensive raid but lands only scuffing blows. 20-18 to Cleverly
Round Three
This fight isn’t offering much in the way of entertainment, with Cleverly moving forward and throwing out the jab whilst Mohammedi focuses on staying out of trouble. This is really is terrible stuff, surely the referee should force Mohammedi to engage. Cleverly lands a couple of shots towards the end. 30-27.
Round Four
We start with an EXCHANGE OF PUNCHES! Cleverly catches Mohammedi with a straight jab, and successfully lands a couple of follow up punches. He traps Mohammedi on the ropes but the referee steps in. Cleverly is trying his best to turn this into a more exciting fight but he really can do nothing against the Frenchman. Cleverly is even reduced to trying to hold and hit, which earns him an admonishment from the referee. 40-36.
Round Five
Cleverly is struggling to work out how to get Mohammedi to engage with him, even trying to work off the backfoot to draw his opponent into the fight. Again Cleverly is forced to hold and hit in sheer desperation. That earns him a talking to from the referee, which is nothing short of ridiculous. How about telling Mohammedi to actually do something? Cleverly tries to rush in on a couple of occasions but to no avail. 50-45.
Round Six
Cleverly holds Mohammedi at the start but comes off the worse with Mohammedi landing some stinging little punches. The round seems to be falling back into its previous pattern until the final minute where Mohammedi catches him with several punches to the body and a left hand that forces Cleverly to cover up. Cleverly fires back with a good straight punch bit its Mohammedi’s round. 59-55
Round Seven
Cleverly seems to be struggling to adjust his style against such a tricky, odd customer. One has to wonder whether it was wise of Frank Warren to put his young charge against a fighter with such an unusual style. It almost looks like he’s worn himself with righteous indignation at the Frenchman’s defensive tactics in the first five rounds. Cleverly is repeatedly punching and holding, earning a point deduction from the referee. Cleverly’s composure is gone, as is his defense. Mohammedi is catches him with several punches, forcing the Welshman to cover up after taking several hard straight left hands. 67-65
Round Eight
Cleverly gets an earful from the corner during the break. Mohammedi is much more static now, standing still to pop out punches. Cleverly seems to be refocused, working the body of Mohammedi with some considerable success. Mohammedi’s nose is a mess and he’s now the one holding. 77-74
Round Nine
Cleverly continues the upswing in his performance, bullying Mohammedi in the corner and landing some big straight punches. An errant punch lands low and Cleverly is once again admonished by the referee. Mohammedi is trying to land the odd stinging shot on the inside, including an intentional headbutt that makes Mohammedi the one to earn stern words from the referee. Mohammedi gradually comes on strong in the final minute but I doubt its enough to steal the round. 87-83.
Round Ten
Another bad round with neither fighter doing much. Cleverly adds a couple of really good right-hands, but he’s not putting Mohammedi under any real pressure due to his failure to put together quality combinations. He doesn’t look the same fighter that has been so impressive in previous fights this year. 97-92
Round Eleven
Another bad round that Cleverly edges with the better quality of punches but the fight lacks any rhythm, with neither fighter showing any genuine quality. 107-101 to Cleverly.
Round Twelve
The fight ends as it started with a no-action, no-quality round that is absolutely turgid to watch. Cleverly does enough to take the round with the jab but will surely be disappointed with his performance. Crowd boos the end of the fight. 117-110.
The three judges give the fight to Cleverly although judge the fight to be slightly closer than me, with scores of 115-112, 116-111 and 115-113. Some in the crowd boo the decision but most are happy to see Cleverly crowned Interim WBO Champion. Terrible fight but you can’t read too much into given the late change of opponent and the ultra-defensive tactics of Mohammedi in the first half of the fight.
Nathan Cleverly defeated Nadjib Mohammedi by unanimous decision to become the new WBO Interim Light Heavyweight Champion (115-112, 116-111, 115-113).
British Super-Middleweight Title Fight
Paul Smith (11st 13Ibs 8oz) v James DeGale (11st 12Ibs)
Round One
This is by far the biggest domestic clash in recent memory, with bold matchmaking from Frank Warren creating a British title fight that can compete with most world title matches for intrigue. James DeGale is the young unbeaten prospect that has won all eight of his professional fighters after a glittering amateur career that saw him win Gold at the Beijing Olympics. Paul Smith is the experienced hometown champion, recieving loud support from his fellow scousers. This is a classic youth vs. experience matchup, with DeGale having it all to prove against what will be his toughest opponent ever.
They both try to get punches off quickly but they end up holding. Referee breaks and has words for DeGale. Both looking to make the first telling connection. Both fighters land hard straight punches to the body. DeGale is keeping the jab out to control the distance. DeGale trying to come in with overhand rights but can’t quite connect. DeGale tries to open up with his fast hands but Smith holds on. DeGale turns it up in the first round, landing several straight rights and forcing Smith back. DeGale’s round and he looks incredibly comfortable at this high level. 10-9 DeGale.
Round Two
Smith tries to bully DeGale early on, looking to work the body over. Smith tries to hold and push DeGale around but the referee calls a break. DeGale lands several clean straight punches and goes close with a big uppercut. DeGale comes in and throws a nice left hand, although it probably lands on the arms of Smith. Smith rushes at DeGale but takes a right for his trouble. Both Smith and DeGale land late on, but DeGale shows superior movement to move out of harm’s way. Another round for DeGale 20-18
Round Three
Smith tries to walk down DeGale but the challenger is able to avoid being trapped on the ropes. DeGale moves forward and puts together several fast combinations that are surely catching the eyes of the judges. Smith comes back with some solid right hands, including a hard punch in the corner. DeGale is flicking out the jab but is missing more punches than early on. Smith’s round. 29-28
Round Four
DeGale working the jab to keep the fight at range but Smith rushes inside. DeGale is warned for holding by the referee, goes close with a big uppercut. DeGale again holding Smith. DeGale opens up on Smith, putting together a great combination. There’s a nasty clash of heads which opens up a cut near Smith’s eye. Smith fires back with some big single punches. DeGale seems to be taking a breather but then quickly moves through the guys to light Smith up with two brilliant combinations, showing tremendous handspeed. Great stuff. 10-9 to DeGale. 39-37.
Round Five
DeGale is focusing on the injured eye of Smith, targeting the cut with multiple jabs. Smith is showing tremendous heart and strength but can’t match the speed or quality of DeGale. DeGale’s hands are just so quick. He opens Smith up again but the hometown hero fires back with strong right hands. Smith is getting enthusiastic support from the crowd but surely the judges recognise DeGale’s technical superiority. 49-46
Round Six
DeGale starts with the jab, which is looking great. Smith fires back with a hook to the body and tries to catch DeGale with a lunging punch. DeGale is able to move out the way and counter with a hook to the body. Smith traps DeGale against the rope and they exchange on the inside. DeGale gets the better of those exchanges, switching from the body to the heart. Smith comes back but DeGale looks the better. DeGale stalking Smith, firing a hook to the body and going back to the jab. Puts together a great combination that backs Smith up. Errant punch goes low (can’t think of a recent boxing show that has had so many low punches) and Smith takes the break. No action after the restart. 59-55 to DeGale.
Round Seven
DeGale controls with the jab and comes inside with some great fast combinations to the body. Smith fires back an overhand right but DeGale is making him look plodding with his movement and handspeed. DeGale gets another combination through. Smith misses and is hit on the counter. DeGale goes on the attack, stringing together a couple of superior combinations. Smith comes back with a stinging combination to the body, that seems to take a bit of wind from DeGale. DeGale backs up and trips. Gets back to his feet and the bell tolls. 69-64 to DeGale.
Round Eight
DeGale pushes Smith back with several straight punches, Smith tries to fire back but DeGale is comfortable. DeGale is stalking Smith, traps Smith on the ropes and unloads an absolute flurry of punches to the head and mid-section. Smith comes back, lands a solid hook but he is being completely outworked. DeGale comes on strong and rocks Smith with a great right uppercut that snaps the champion’s head back. 79 to 73 to DeGale.
Round Nine
With two-thirds of the fight on the books, DeGale has thrown 343 punchest to Smith’s 165, with both having a success rate of 28%. DeGale uses the jab to lead into more powerful combinations. Smith tries to trap DeGale on the ropes and overpower him but DeGale is able to move out of danger. DeGale almost finishes the fight when he catches Smith with a left hook that visibly effects the older man. DeGale tries to move in for the finish, with Smith simply wanting to cover up. He’s in survival mode and is able to hold on and seemingly ride out the storm. Smith tries to get back into the fight but DeGale traps him in the corner after catching him with a left hook. DeGale then fires a thunderous succession of right-left combinations that draws the referee stoppage at 2:08. Crowd doesn’t look that but fair stoppage. DeGale looked great here, impossibly great for someone as inexperienced as him. He really is one to watch. .
James DeGale defeated Pau Smith at 2:08 via TKO to win the British Super-Middleweight Title
Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight Title Match
Tony Bellew (12st 6Ibs) v Ovill McKenzie (12st 7Ibs)
Round One
Feeling each other out at the start, both respecting the others strength. Bellew in the center of the ring, flicking out the jab. McKenzie lands a chopping right hand cleanly and drops Bellew. Bellew quickly gets back up and tries to rush McKenzie to no avail. 10-8 to McKenzie.
Round Two
Both tried to force the action, but end up exchanging whilst holding earning both a stern talking to from the referee. Nothing much happening and then out of nowhere McKenzie connects with a huge right hand that cleanly knocksdown Bellew. Bellew takes a long count. McKenzie tries to stalk Bellew for an opening but none presents itself and the final bell tolls. 20-16 to McKenzie.
Round Three
McKenzie flicks out the jab and is threatening with the right. McKenzie is just stalking Bellew, waiting for the opportunity to headhunt. Bellew trying to rush in and land big single punches, but McKenzie is willing to stay in range long enough for him to land anything meaningful. They exchange on the inside with Bellew getting the better of it. Bellew’s round. 29-26
Round Four
Bellew working the jab and tries to rush in with a big overhand right. Bellew looking stronger, taking his time and setting up his shots. McKenzie too busy headhunting to be fully effective. Bellew connects cleanly with an overhand right that backs McKenzie up. Misses with another. Bellew pushing the action and McKenzie really has let the advantage he gained in the first two rounsd go to waste. Bellew moves inside with authority, putting together a good combination. Bellew gets a couple of shots to the body. Another round for Bellew. 38-36.
Round Five
Bellew is firmly back into the fight, outworking McKenzie with far superior shot selection and movement. However McKenzie comes back strong, pushing Bellew up against the ropes and laying in big shots. Throughout the round there are problems with the boxers’ heads clashing, and a head clash at the end opens up a cut above the eye of Bellew. Difficult round to score, probably going to go to the hometown fighter. 47-46.
Round Six
Bellew is showing tremendous patience, working on grinding McKenzie down with the jab and body shots. McKenzie goes close with the big right hand, which misses Bellew’s head by a whisker. Bellew lands flush on the chin of McKenzie with several punches, including several hard straight rights. McKenzie falls back and Bellew shows good instincts to keep his opponent under pressure, walking down McKenzie and following up with big punches to the body and head of McKenzie. That brings Bellew level on my scorecard, 57-57.
Round Seven
Both flick the jab at each other, looking for an opportunity to throw a big punch. McKenzie bullies Bellew back into the corner, but Bellew counters with several body shots. McKenzies tries to take the advantage again but Bellew is looking impressively strong. McKenzie comes close with a left hook-straight right combination. Both exchange power punches but can’t quite land the telling bow. 68-67 to Bellew
Round Eight
They exchange at range, with Bellew finding success with the jab even though it lacks full authority. Bellew lands a right hand but McKenzie shrugs it off. McKenzie let his hands go a bit, landing a couple of right hands that Bellew takes comfortably. Bellew starts to increasing the pressure, gets a couple of good right hands off. Bellew then catches him with a dynamite left hook that knocks McKenzie down like he’s been shot. For what its worth, McKenzie actually connected with a punch of his own. McKenzie takes a long count and probably shouldn’t have been allowed to continue. The referee quickly realises his error when McKenzie stumbles forward and stops it when Bellew threatens. A slightly farcial stoppage but the fight was surely going only one way.
Tony Bellew defeated Ovill McKenzie via TKO at 2:36 of the eighth round to retain his Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Title
The action now switches stateside for the first of the matches from the Las Vegas card.
Light-Welterweight Match
Joan Guzman (144.5Ibs) vs Jason Davis (143Ibs)
Round One
Incredibly both fighters came in overweight, less surprising is that one of them is Joan Guzman. They exchange in the middle of the ring, getting their punches of fast. Davis falls to the ground, possibly as a result of an illegal blow or just a slip. Either way no count is called. Guzman pours forward and drops Davis with a punch…that lands low. Although the punch seems to have landed nearer to the hip Davis goes down like he’s shot. Hilariously unsympathetic refereeing with the third man in the ring telling the prone fighter to get up. Guzman turns on the style at the restart; showing superb power, handspeed and shot selection. Taking Guzman apart with tasty left hooks, big uppercuts and short right hands. 10-9 Guzman.
Round Two
Guzman traps Davis in the corner, laying in hard punches to both the head and body. The referee and Davis’ corner both move to stop the fight. Guzman looked good although this was a complete mismatch.
Joan Guzman defeated Jason Davis via corner stoppage at 0:29 of the second round
Light-Welterweight Match (10 Rounds)
Victor Ortiz (141Ibs) vs. Lamont Peterson (140Ibs)
Round One
Winner faces Amir Khan/Marcos Maidana winner? Very possibly. Ortiz fighting at range at the start of the fight, boxing behind a tight guard. Ortiz comes in with a right hand, followed by a couple of jabs. He pushes Peterson back with a right hand. Ortiz showing good handspeed and movement. Ortiz circling around Peterson, Peterson trying to connect with some straights to the body. Ortiz comes forward and lands some chopping right hands. Ortiz is cut. Ortiz’s round 10-9.
Round Two
Ortiz firing out the jab, Peterson counters with a right hand. Ortiz circling on the outside, staying out of punching range whilst flicking out the jab. Peterson trying to play much the same game. Ortiz trying to walk Peterson down but Peterson proving illusive. Peterson connects with a straight punch. Ortiz moving well, working the angles. Rushes forwards towards the end of the round. 20-18.
Round Three
Ortiz crouching low whilst trying to find the correct range with his jab. Ortiz showing good headmovement to slip the punches of Peterson. Both fighters seemingly more concerned with not losing than going all-out for the win. Ortiz is the one going forward and Peterson is offering little except holding. Ortiz manages to get the break through, dropping Peterson with a right hand after finally being able to put together a good sequence of four or five punches. Peterson takes a long count and looks at his corner for help. Ortiz goes for the finish, pouring forward and unloading on Peterson. Peterson tries to hold and stifle but he can’t keep Ortiz. He gets lucky once when seemingly out on his feet as Ortiz bundles him over rather than landing a clean punch but later in the round when its clear that the ropes are holding him up the referee counts him. Dominant performance from Ortiz that has taken the fight away from Peterson. 30-25 to Ortiz.
Round Four
Ortiz looks to finish the job and Peterson is again desperately holding. Ortiz is bullying Peterson, connecting with body shots and chopping rights to the head. Straight right almost causes Peterson’s legs to buckle. Peterson fires back with some counterpunches but he doesn’t have the power to compete with the much larger Ortiz. Ortiz misses with a punch and Peterson holds. Ortiz sees out the round by circling Peterson. Peterson catches him with a cute punch. 40-34 to Ortiz.
Round Five
Fight gets stuck in the fifth with Peterson being overly quick to hold onto Ortiz, while Ortiz seems relunctant to go for the finish choosing to circle and stalk Peterson for much of the round. In doing so he cedes the initative that had been unquestionably his in the first four rounds, with Peterson having the better of the few shots that managed to get through in a listless round of action. 49-44.
Round Six
Ortiz starts by working the jab and Peterson’s corner throws in the gumshield so that they can rectify their mistake in sending him out without one. Peterson catches Ortiz with a quick right, and slowly the momentum is growing behind the man from Washinton. Ortiz trying to work the body but Peterson catches him with a right hand. Ortiz is paying for letting Peterson back into this fight. Peterson does however shake his righthand after landing that punch, which suggests he took damage in landing the punch. Peterson landing shots to the body. Ortiz not looking good in this round. Peterson lands several punches on the separation and is back in this fight. 58-54.
Round Seven
Peterson goes on the offensive, showing tremendous handspeed to really lay into Ortiz at the beginning of the seventh. Peterson is putting fantastic fast combinations to the head and body of the Golden Boy prospect. Ortiz is holding and the referee breaks it. Peterson again goes on the offensive, showing tremendous energy and confidence in seeking to punish Ortiz. Ortiz catches Peterson a couple of times but more is missing more often than he’s connecting. The balance of the match has decesively shifted in favor of Peterson. Its only that 10-7 round that is keep Ortiz ahead. 67-64
Round Eight
To begin with Ortiz is doing a better job of bullying Peterson in the eighth round, as whilst his punches aren’t landing cleanly he is doing better in putting Peterson under pressure. However yet again Ortiz takes the foot of the gas, falling back and circling Peterson. This again lets Peterson back into the fight, giving him the time to get his punches off. Ortiz’s peformances is strange as for the last minute he decides to try to macho his way back into the fight, needlessly attempting to walking through big punches from Peterson. He takes several big shots cleanly on the chin and eventually his legs weaken. Luckily its at the end of the round and Peterson cannot capitalise. 76-74.
Round Nine
Peterson looks to push the action at the start and Ortiz is once again too diffident, fighting only in bursts. Peterson showing real quality with his punches, connecting with sweet punches to the head and body. Again Ortiz is circling and fighting off the back foot when he should be bullying Peterson out of the fight. Apparently HBO have Ortiz up by four which is simply idiotic, Peterson has been doing the better work for most of the rounds, including this one. Ortiz is looking listless in there. 10-9 to Peterson which puts him within touching distance of Ortiz 85-84.
Round Ten
Ortiz tries to work with a bit more intensity in the tenth, pressing forward and trying to gut out the last round of the fight. Peterson looking tired and Ortiz is catching him with greater ease. Ortiz missing badly and Peterson connects with a big right hand. Ortiz connects with some big clubbing blows on the inside, and Peterson is holding to survive. Ortiz looking determined to see out the fight does enough to take the round and the fight, 95-93.
In a surprising decision, the judges decision is a majority draw with one judge giving it to Peterson (95-93) and the other two having the fight tied on 94-all.
Victor Ortiz and Lamont Peterson fight to a majority draw (94-94, 94-94 and 93-95)
WBA Light-Welterweight Title Match
(c) Amir Khan (140) vs. Marcos Maidana (139)
Round One
Is it really just a year ago when Khan fought a nobody mandatory challenger in front of a barely interested Manchester crowd? Well he’s a superstar now, coming out in the fight capital of the world to a huge reaction. If he can win this fight he’ll move into P4P contention.
Maidana lunges forward and Khan moved out of the way. Khan works the jab at the start. Khan circling Maidana but Maidana catches him with a big punch. Khan rides through the storm and goes back to working him over with the jab, bringing in the odd right hand. Khan puts together some fast combinations, showing tremendous handspeed. Khan looking good, making Maidana look slow. Maidana throwing but missing. Khan putting more tremendously fast combinations to the head of Maidana. Khan connects with several quick hooks to the body and Maidana crumples to the ground. WHAT A ROUND OF ACTION! Khan goes in for the kill but the bell saves Maidana. Wow. What a terrific start to the fight. 10-8 to Khan.
Round Two
Khan putting together several fast combinations, Maidana counters with a left hand. Khan slips in a couple of short uppercuts and follows up with more shots to the body. Khan again hurts Maidana with a lighting combination that pushes Maidana up against the ropes and almost has the challenger down. Maidana lunges forward with a hail mary punch that misses. Khan goes back to the left hooks, that Maidana does his all to block. Another round for Khan, 20-17.
Round Three
Maidana tries to walk down Khan but the champion is too fast to be trapped. Khan nails Maidana with a right hand and the challenger’s leg wobbles. Khan follows up with an uppercut but misses with a wild overhand right. Maidana siezes on the opening to connect with a right hand that rocks the champion. Khan goes into defense mode with his guard up and his chin down, as Maidana desperately stalks him looking to put him away. Khan comes back with accurate combinations and good jabs. Khan needs to calm down and play it a bit more carefully. Khan pyts together a final flurry at the end of the round but Maidana lands a straight that secures the round. Great round. 29-27.
Round Four
Khan jumps in on Maidana as he was readjusting his shorts, using the opening to begin working over the challenger with fast combinations. Khan is showing tremendous poise in the ring being able to the work the angles and land telling punches almost at will. However a lapse in concentration is punished by Maidana who lands several hard uppercuts. Very close rounds but probably Khan’s 39-36
Round Five
Khan is outboxing Maidana, with his movement and shot-selection just showing everyone that Khan is a cut above the power-puncher in terms of technical skill. Khan puts together several fast combinations that push Maidana back. Khan lands some particularly sweet straight rights to the head of Maidana. Maidana is penalised a point by the referee after throwing an errant elbow. This seems to demoralise Maidana, with Khan siezing the initative and doubling down on the superior offense, connecting with not just the jab but also excellent uppercuts and hooks. 49-44.
Round Six
Maidana comes out swinging for the fences but Khan is able to box his way around these wild shots. Khan is showing trendous footwork and superior handspeed. Maidana connects with an uppercut and Khan is alternating between machismo and falling back. Maidana is looking to catch the Khan whilst the champion is rocked but Khan is able to avoid taking a telling blow. Maidana’s eye is now a mess. Maidana’s round. 58-54.
Round Seven
Maidana and Khan both connecting with jabs, Khan comes forward with a lightening combination, working the body over in an attempt to wear the challenger down. Maidana drops his hands and taunts Khan to trade on the inside, but they end up holding each other. Maidana is dragging Khan into his fight and Khan seems to be tiring. Maidana is having a lot of success with his uppercut and punches to the body, dominating the second half of the round. Khan is showing a surprisingly strong chin but he can’t keep taking this punishment. 67-64
Round Eight
Khan connects with some nice counter-punches. Khan has settled down, working Maidana over with his superior technique and speed. Khan is popping up with really nice jabs and straight rights. This is much better from Khan. Maidana looks tired and Khan is getting his punches off with ease. Khan showing a renewed spring in his step and finishes with an eyecatching fast combination. 77-73.
Round Nine
Maidana moves forward and comes close with a big uppercut. Khan’s defense is tighter than in the middle of the fight. Khan comes back wth ridiculously fast jabs and a fast combination visibly weakens Maidana. Khan boxing his way around Maidana, catching the challenegr with an uppercut as Maidana fell to the canvass. Maidana tries to work the uppercut but Khan fires back with terrific fast combinations. 87-82.
Round Ten
Maidana takes a long time getting off his stool. Khan just circling around Maidana with terrific footwork, able to move in and land with lighting combinations. Maidana connects with an hail marry of a punch, an absolute moster of a chopping right hand. Khan is in real trouble and Maidana has came t0 life. Maidana is pouring forward, connecting with power punch after power punch. Khan is being bullied all over the ring by the slugger. Khan needs to hold and see out the round but Maidana won’t let him. Khan seems close to being dropped and out several times but he just won’t go down. Khan somehow is able to make out of the round but his legs look weak after taking a tremendous beating. No knockdown was scored but if that wasn’t a 10-8 round then nothing is. 95-92.
Round Eleven
Khan tries to touch gloves but Maidana has nothing of it. Maidana is pumped for this round, looking for the kill. Khan is on his bike and is on his bike in a big way. Khan has no strength in his legs, just trying to stay out of trouble. This is survival mode time for Khan. Khan slips in a brilliant uppercut and follows it up with a right hand. What a fight this is. Khan charges in with a big right hand. Khan pours forward with more combinations. How is he doing this? So much for Brendis Prescott, so much for having a bad chin. This is the real Amir Khan. Maidana lands an uppercut in the final round. Great stuff. 10-9 to Khan, 105-101.
Round Twelve
Now they touch gloves. This is mission stay out of harm’s way for Khan, and he shows his dedication to this all-important mission by holding onto Maidana whenever he gets the chance. Maidana is pouring forward with real desperation, even getting pulled up for blatant rabbit punches. Maidana searches for something to finish but Khan denies him the angles to get anything off clean. Khan sees out the round and surely has picked up a clear points victory. What a fight. Fight of the Year, just has to be. I have it 114-111 to Khan.
And the two of the judges have the exact same score of 114-111, with a third having it closer at 113-112. What a tremendous fight. Khan showed so much heart and an incredible punch resistance that defied all predictions and logic. Khan must now be talked about as a Pound For Pound contender, he really has all the tools to become a very special fighter.
Amir Khan defeated Marcos Maidana via unanimous decision (114-111, 114-111, 113-112) to retain his WBA light-welterweight title.
This concludes our marathon coverage of Amir Khan vs. Marcos Maidana and its transatlantic undercard. Stayed tuned to Inside Fights for all the latest news and views from the world of boxing.
