In a stellar showcase of pugilistic talent, this week’s bouts gave us plenty to talk about. Starting off down under, Tim Tszyu kept his undefeated record intact, outclassing Brian Mendoza in Gold Coast, Australia. Making his first defense of the WBO junior middleweight title, Tszyu showed why he’s considered a force in the division. Dominating from Round 5, his power and precision became evident, especially with the chopping right hands that rocked Mendoza in the seventh.
Punch Stats
PUNCHES
TSZYU
MENDOZA
Total landed
120
93
Total thrown
406
433
Percent
30%
22%
Jabs landed
22
22
Jabs thrown
148
208
Percent
15%
11%
Power landed
98
71
Power thrown
258
225
Percent
38%
32%
— Courtesy of CompuBox
Despite the spirited resistance from Mendoza, who survived a relentless onslaught especially in Round 10, Tszyu’s skill was undeniable. The scores said it all: 116-112, 117-111, and 116-111 in favor of Tszyu. And now, with his eyes set on global conquest, Tszyu plans to leave his home turf behind, setting his sights on Jermell Charlo in the U.S.
But Tszyu wasn’t the only champion to dazzle fans this weekend. Janibek Alimkhanuly further cemented his reputation as one of boxing’s brightest stars. At the Fort Bend Epicenter in Rosenberg, Texas, Alimkhanuly displayed his dominance against Vicenzo Gualtieri, stopping him in the sixth round.
Adding the IBF middleweight title to his collection, the Kazakh boxer seemed to have an easy night, intensifying his attack as the fight went on and culminating in a ferocious flurry that signaled the end for Gualtieri. The division’s other champions might want to take note, especially as Alimkhanuly has made it clear he aims to be the undisputed middleweight champion.
Punch Stats
PUNCHES
ALIMKHANULY
GUALTIERI
Total landed
82
22
Total thrown
243
85
Percent
34%
26%
Jabs landed
38
12
Jabs thrown
169
55
Percent
23%
22%
Power landed
44
10
Power thrown
74
30
Percent
60%
33%
— Courtesy of CompuBox
Saturday’s action didn’t end there. In another gripping match at the Fort Bend Epicenter, lightweight Keyshawn Davis faced Nahir Albright. Davis, a 2020 Olympic Silver medalist for the U.S., was stretched to the ten-round limit for the second consecutive time, narrowly securing a majority decision.
The fight was a tactical display, with Davis employing his potent right hand early on to control the narrative. The exchange of after-the-bell punches in the opening round added a dash of drama, showing the intense rivalry between the two. Davis emerged victorious with scores of 96-94 and 97-93, further advancing his spotless record.
In conclusion, it was a weekend of high-octane action, demonstrating once again why boxing remains one of the most electrifying sports in the world. As champions like Tszyu and Alimkhanuly continue to rise and others like Davis face tough tests, fans around the world are in for treat after treat in the squared circle.
