Michael Eifert Upsets Jean Pascal in IBF Title Eliminator!
With a championship title opportunity hanging in the balance, Michael “Diesel” Eifert (12-1, 4KO) easily dominated two-time light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal (36-7-1, 20KO) in this IBF title eliminator.
Pascal looked every bit of his 40 years in this fight. He was reduced to fighting for only a few seconds per round. Eifert fought extremely well behind the jab and straight right hand the entire fight.
It was becoming clear the former champion was looking to land one big punch. However, the visiting German continued to pepper Pascal’s face with combination punches until the final bell. The three judges’ scorecards were 118-110, 115-113, and 117-111 in favor of Diesel. Whoever turned in that middle scorecard should be removed from judging fights, as 3kingsboxing.com agrees with the first scorecard.
WHAT IS NEXT FOR BOTH FIGHTERS
Eifert is riding a six-fight win streak, including avenging the only blemish on his record by defeating Tom Dzemski in 2021. This victory could grant him a shot at the unified champion, Artur Beterbiev. Unfortunately, he will have to wait in line. The unified champion was ordered to fight WBC mandatory challenger Callum Smith next. Provided that Beterbiev is victorious, the call for undisputed will take priority, moving Eifert to the backburner even longer.
Pascal revitalized his career after it was severely damaged following four failed tests for banned substances in the build-up for a rematch with Badou Jack. He looked like a shell of himself in the fight. It was evident the magic is gone as the commentators openly suspected that a call to retire may be in order.
