By Sam Gregory: In the co-main event undefeated Selcuk Aydin 17-0 with 14 KO’s of Turkey will be making his U.S. debut against southpaw Said Ouali 25-2 with 17 KO’s of Morocco now making his home in Las Vegas in a scheduled 12 round WBC welterweight eliminator bout.
Going into this fight, Said Ouali, the Moroccan born southpaw has KOed his last eight opponents. Ouali’s opponent tonight, Selcuk Aydin, has been called “Little Tyson” and not unlike Mike Tyson is known for a bad temper having punched a referee after a fight at the European championship ending with a 5 year suspension. After that incident Aydin received a ban from all amateur competition. Before that incident Aydin had over 350 amateur bouts. Since turning pro the hard hitting 25 year old Aydin has had an impressive professional career going undefeated in 17 fights and winning 14 by KO.
In the first round Aydin came straight at Ouali throwing over-hand looping punches not landing much of anything. Ouali, while backed against the ropes went to the body with combinations.
In the second round Ouali was on the ropes early in the round. Aydin threw a couple uppercuts but didn’t really connect with anything.
In the third round Ouali came out with a sudden burst of energy throwing punches, landed a couple, most were blocked. Aydin took control midway through the round and landed some big right hands; all single punches. Both men threw a lot of punches in this round.
In the fourth, more of the same with Aydin throwing and landing first, Ouali was on the ropes again. By the end of the round they were head to head throwing punches fighting in a phone booth. Aydin landed a couple good head shots.
In the fifth Ouali started on the ropes than spun out and both men were in the center of the ring trading punches. Aydin was in control landing more punches. Ouali threw several uppercuts with very few landing.
Between rounds Ouali’s trainer Roger Mayweather told him to stay off the ropes.
In the sixth both men were in the center of the ring trading punches. Aydin was landing more punches when he backed up and slipped falling to the canvas. When the fight resumed Ouali threw three punch combinations but wasn’t able to get through Aydin’s defense. Aydin had a pointed deducted for low blow.
In the seventh more of the same with Ouali’s back to the ropes. Aydin landed a couple single right hands. As fast as Ouali came forward to throw punches he was back on the ropes, Aydin controlled the round.
In the eighth round Aydin came out landing solid right hands. Again Ouali had his back on the ropes countering. Aydin landed some good body shots; he let his hands down and got hit in the middle of the round. Ouali lands a three punch combination and makes it a very close round.
In the ninth they traded punches in the center of the ring. Aydin continues to push Ouali back against the ropes. Ouali spins off the ropes and throws a three punch combination; most punches are blocked by Aydin.
In the tenth round Ouali goes right back on the ropes. Again they fight very close, head to head. Aydin lands single one hand shots; Ouali pushes off the ropes throwing combinations but not landing much. Aydin lands big right hand the rocks Ouali jerking his heads back. This was a very close round.
In the eleventh round both men trade punches in the center of the ring. Ouali is the busier man in this round. Aydin lands some single shots backing Ouali up; Aydin landed more punches in the round.
In the twelfth round Ouali let his hands go; Aydin pushed Ouali against the ropes landing a couple right hands. Ouali lands a solid left hand and pushes Aydin back but round ends before he’s able to do much. Ouali did land the better shots in this round and won the round.
Fight went to the score cards; 114-113, 115-112, 116-111 for Selcuk Aydin by split decision.
Aydin improves his unbeaten record to 18-0 with 14 KO’s while Ouali falls to 25-3 with 17 KO’s