Chris Kongo Takes Sebastian Formella The Distance
The ranking system in the welterweight division could be getting some company as Chris “2Slick” Kongo (14-1, 7KO) and Sebastian Formella (23-2, 11KO) tussle over the vacant WBC International Silver title.
Formella has a lot of experience in the ring that could work to his advantage. The 35-year-old fighter from Germany caught the eye of the boxing community after defeating #8 WBC ranked Thulani Mbenge for the lightly regarded IBO title in 2019. In 2020, he suffered back-to-back high-profile losses against top-rated Conor Benn and former two-time champion Shawn Porter. The window is closing fast, and another loss could send his career into an unrecoverable nose dive.
Kongo was flying high after turning professional in 2016. Living up to the nickname “2Slick”, he used those boxing skills to rise through the domestic level. In 2020, he shocked the boxing community by defeating Luther Clay for the WBO Global title. Looking to capitalize on the momentum, Kongo decided to step up the competition by taking on #5 WBO ranked Michael McKinson.
However, he suffered his first career defeat by a narrow unanimous decision to McKinson. A victory would put him back on track and hopefully provide a boost in rankings.
NULL ACTION EARLY BUT EVENTFUL TOWARDS THE END
Like most fights, the first couple of rounds saw both fighters feeling each other out. Kongo was more aggressive while using the jab as a range finder. He was able to land a few solid right hands while coming forward and landed the left hook to the body.
Formella must have watched the McKinson bout, as he moved a lot trying to box and took advantage of Kongo over reaching by countering with a good right hand over the top of the jab.
2slick warmed up in the middle rounds as his hand speed became a factor, landing several left hooks during the exchanges. He also continued to pound that right hand down the middle behind the jab. Formella was beginning to look a little worn but continued to fight on. He even managed to land a few good right hands on the body.
As the fight was ending, Formella taking the half step back, helped him land the counter right hand on Kongo’s overreaching punches. However, 2Slick fought with some urgency in the last two rounds, charging forward and landing crisp left and right hooks to the body. He got a roar from the crowd as he landed several right hands and left hooks while walking down Formella.
As the final bell sounded, the judges scored it 97-93, 97-94, and 98-92 for Kongo. He walked away with the WBC Silver International title putting his back on the path toward the world level.
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By: Garrisson Bland
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