Padley secured a split-decision victory in Sheffield after a point deduction against Fiaz proved decisive on the scorecards
Josh Padley retained the EBU European super featherweight title Saturday night with a split-decision victory over Aqib Fiaz in Sheffield. A point deduction against Fiaz in the 11th round ultimately proved the difference in a fight that remained close through all 12 rounds.
The 12-round main event was competitive throughout, with both fighters enjoying periods of success in an action-packed contest. Fiaz found success with his body punching and appeared to edge several of the early rounds, while Padley responded with cleaner work and strong finishes in key moments.
The fight became increasingly physical as it progressed. Fiaz was warned multiple times for low blows before referee Kevin Parker deducted a point in the 11th round. That deduction ultimately proved costly in a bout that was closely contested on the scorecards.
Padley finished strongly in the final round as both fighters attempted to secure victory.
When the scores were announced, Padley was awarded the split decision by scores of 115-112 and 114-113, while the third judge favored Fiaz 114-113.
Sulaimaan Captures English Title
In the chief support bout, Ibraham Sulaimaan defeated Ibraham Nadim by unanimous decision to capture the British super featherweight title.
Sulaimaan used his speed and counterpunching to control much of the contest, earning scores of 100-90, 100-90, and 98-92. Nadim had moments of success, particularly in the later rounds, but was unable to overturn Sulaimaan’s early advantage.
Former three-division world champion Marco Antonio Barrera accompanied Nadim to the ring.
Bowen Stops Coleman
Middleweight Aaron Bowen returned to winning ways with a ninth-round stoppage of Troy Coleman.
Bowen controlled much of the fight behind his jab before forcing referee Mark Lyson to intervene at 1:41 of Round 9 after a sustained attack.
Atang Continues Knockout Run
Heavyweight prospect Leo Atang remained unbeaten with a first-round stoppage of Fouad Shaili.
Atang landed a series of right hands along the ropes before referee Kieran McCann halted the contest at 2:30 of the opening round. The victory improved Atang’s record to 7-0 and marked his sixth knockout win.
Undercard Results
Adam Maca improved to 6-0 with a six-round unanimous decision victory over Cesar Ignacio Paredes.
Ed Hardy stopped Jesus Carrasco in the sixth and final round of their featherweight contest after scoring a knockdown with a left hook.
Connor Mitchell continued his unbeaten start as a professional by stopping Rodrigo Matias Areco in the fourth round.
Chris Mulunda closed out the card with a four-round unanimous decision win over Connor Goulding.
