Joseph Agbeko retained his International Boxing Federation bantamweight title with a unanimous decision over Vic Darchinyan on Saturday night.
Using solid rights to the head, which eventually opened cuts above both of Darchinyan's eyes, Agbeko spoiled Darchinyan's goal of winning his third world title in a different division.
Two judges scored the bout 114-113 for Agbeko, while the third had it for the native of Ghana, 116-111.
The bout had one disputed knockdown in the seventh round, when television replays showed Darchinyan pushed Agbeko to the canvas. But referee Tommy Kimmons ruled it a scoring punch for Darchinyan.
Agbeko (27-1) shook off the knockdown and peppered Darchinyan with repeated rights to the head the rest of the fight.
Darchinyan, a native of Armenia now living in Australia, did his best work in the middle rounds, when he scored with left hooks to the head. A former flyweight and junior-bantamweight titleholder, Darchinyan is now 32-2-1.
The victory was Agbeko's second as bantamweight champion. He won the 118-pound crown with a seventh-round technical knockout over Luis Perez in 2007 and beat William Gonzalez on Dec. 11 in his first defense.
Agbeko weighed 116 pounds for Saturday's bout, one less than Darchinyan. Earlier, former IBF cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham won a unanimous decision over Wayne Braithwaite.
Cunningham was the busier fighter in the 12-round cruiserweight bout, scoring repeatedly with left jabs to the head and rights to the body. Braithwaite, also a former cruiserweight titleholder, tried cutting Cunningham's distance but only scored sporadically with short combinations to the head. All three judges scored the fight Cunningham: 119-109, 118-110, and 117-111. The fight was Cunningham's first since losing his title to Tomasz Adamek on Dec. 11.
Source: AP
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
I’ve no plans to leave comedy for movie production, says Basketmouth
31 mins -
Akufo-Addo seeks to use Bawumia to complete Akyem Agenda– Asiedu Nketiah
39 mins -
‘Bawku conflict politicised for electoral gains’ -Martin Amidu alleges
41 mins -
‘Let industry players play the game ‘ – AOMC boss slams political interference in oil sector
1 hour -
Let’s learn from ExxonMobil, high flyers must lead the way for mergers – AOMC Boss
1 hour -
‘So many regulations, yet corruption prevails’ – Dr Riverson Oppong on OMC oversaturation
2 hours -
At least 24 dead after two boats capsize off coast of Madagascar
3 hours -
Madina MP lauds White Chapel Youth Group for championing peace ahead of elections
3 hours -
Man United settle for draw at Ipswich Town in Amorim’s first game in charge
3 hours -
GPL 2024/2025: Prince Owusu screamer earns Medeama win over Young Apsotles
3 hours -
BBC visits mpox clinic as WHO says DR Congo cases ‘plateauing’
4 hours -
Burning old TVs to survive in Ghana: The toxic trade in e-waste
4 hours -
Perfume boss admitted he ignored Russia sanctions
4 hours -
Wicked proves popular as opening set to be biggest for Broadway film
4 hours -
Nominee for agriculture secretary completes Trump cabinet
4 hours