In the all-British brawl, Fabio Wardley (17-0, 16 KOs) solidified his dominance, ending a grueling rivalry with David Adeleye (12-1, 11 KOs). Wardley was the aggressor from the get-go, with Adeleye on the defensive, using his footwork. Adeleye had some moments in the fifth, but by the seventh, Wardley reclaimed control. A beautifully timed right-left combination sent Adeleye to the canvas. Wardley wasn’t done – another explosive combo and Adeleye was out. The ref called it at 2:43.
Then, former world champion Joseph Parker (33-3, 23 KOs) showed he’s still got fire in him. Facing off against the hard-hitting Canadian, Simon Kean (23-2, 22 KOs), Parker started by studying Kean, figuring out his defensive tactics. By the third, Parker started landing uppercuts, shaking Kean’s core and then putting an end to it with a final onslaught. Done and dusted by 2:04.
Up next, Arslanbek Makhmudov (18-0, 17 KOs), the powerhouse from Montreal, took on Junior Anthony Wright (20-5-1, 17 KOs). And man, did he make a statement. Makhmudov, also known as “The Lion”, showcased his brute force. A devastating right followed by two left hooks sent Wright down. Wright made a brave attempt to rise, but another crushing right had him nearly out cold. The referee had seen enough and halted the fight at just 1:10.
Lastly, the young British sensation, Moses Itauma (6-0, 4 KOs), took center stage. At just 18, this kid’s got a bright future ahead. He faced Istvan Bernath (10-2, 8 KOs) and wasted no time. An early jab floored Bernath, and the subsequent combination punches ensured he wouldn’t recover. The ref waved it off at 1:53.
Whew! Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions. The heavyweight division is alive and kicking.