The Civic Hall in Wolverhampton witnessed a night of intense boxing action, headlined by the EBU super lightweight title bout and featuring a series of compelling undercard fights.
In the main event, Adam Azim (10-0, 7 KOs) showcased his boxing prowess against Franck Petitjean (24-7-3, 6 KOs), culminating in a dramatic tenth-round stoppage. Petitjean, the defending EBU champion, entered the ring with confidence, having secured the title in June. However, Azim’s relentless pressure and skillful boxing gradually broke down Petitjean’s defenses. A significant moment came in the fifth round when Azim scored a knockdown with a precise body shot. Despite a setback in the ninth round, where Azim was penalized for a low blow, he maintained his composure and dominance. In the tenth round, Azim unleashed a barrage of punches, overwhelming Petitjean and leading to a second knockdown. The referee, seeing Petitjean’s diminished state, wisely halted the contest, crowning Azim as the new EBU super lightweight champion.
The event also featured Richard Riakporhe (17-0, 13 KOs), the WBO’s top-rated cruiserweight, who continued his ascent in the division. Riakporhe faced Dylan Bregeon (13-5-1, 3 KOs), overpowering him with his formidable power and technique. A decisive moment occurred in the second round when Riakporhe dropped Bregeon, prompting Bregeon’s corner to intervene and throw in the towel, securing another knockout victory for Riakporhe.
In the EBU middleweight title bout, Tyler Denny (18-2-3, 1 KO) achieved a career milestone by securing his first stoppage victory over Matteo Signani (32-7, 12 KOs). Denny’s superior boxing skills were on display throughout the fight, outmaneuvering Signani in many rounds. Despite facing adversity when caught with flush counters, Denny maintained his tactical approach. The fight took a decisive turn when Signani suffered a severe cut from a clash of heads. While the ringside doctor allowed the fight to continue, Signani’s corner prioritized his safety, choosing to withdraw him from the contest, resulting in an eighth-round TKO for Denny.
Image Credit: Sky Sports