Veteran cruiserweight Firat Arslan claimed the controversial WBA ‘Gold’ title with a sixth-round stoppage of a fighter eighteen years his junior.
The 53-year-old somehow got ranked enough by the WBA to fight for what is effectively its new regular strap. The new belt was formed as WBA President Gilberto Ramirez promised to eradicate secondary belts.
Cruiserweight title
Not so, judging by Arslan’s victory. The German stands on the cusps of facing current WBA full titleholder Arsen Goulamirian.
Ranked four before his win, Arslan could find himself at one or two in the following updated WBA ratings.
However, it shows how much boxing needs a shot in the arm for some weight classes if a contender in his fifties is gaining titles and shots at bonafide belts.
In other WBA news, John Scrappy Ramirez had a spectacular night at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. He knocked out Ronal Batista in four rounds during their super flyweight eliminator fight on Saturday night.
The American showed his authority in the ring and displayed great speed against the Panamanian. He dominated at a distance for most of the fight to take the win.
Whether it was with work from the outside or with the exchange in the short distance, Ramirez always maintained an advantage despite the bravery and insistence of Batista.
Despite Batista giving everything, the quality of the American fighter ultimately overcame him.
Scrappy
In the fourth round, Ramirez managed to knock Batista down twice. In addition, the punishment was sufficient to see the fight decided at that moment.
It was a brilliant victory for the new challenger of the category, 27 years old and a native of Los Angeles.
Ramirez won his 13th fight, while he has knocked out nine opponents. For his part, Batista dropped to 15 wins, four losses, and four knockouts.
McGrail
Peter McGrail won the first professional title of his career in Liverpool after defeating Fran Mendoza unanimously. The Scouser became WBA Continental super bantamweight champion with cards of 99-91, 99-91, and 97-93.
The 27-year-old fighter won the crown in the city where he was born. He beat a solid Colombian fighter who was also undefeated.
McGrail brought out all his tools and left evidence of his good Olympic past, which includes participation in the Tokyo 2020 Games.
A refined technique, good movements in the ring, and a good selection of punches were the keys to the comfortable victory.
McGrail’s undefeated record extended to 8 wins and five knockouts, while Mendoza now has 17 wins and one loss.
