Femke Hermans Decisions Spencer & Erik Bazinyan Stops Ellis
In a high-stakes rematch for the vacant IBF junior middleweight title, Femke Hermans (17-4, 7KO) made the necessary adjustments to score a second victory over Mary Spencer (7-2, 5KO).
Spencer came into this fight with a different approach, looking to box and land counter shots. However, she was fighting off the back foot, playing defense as Hermans poured on with volume punches.
Hermans used some of the same strategy that got her the victory in their first encounter. She kept the Canadian off balance by switching stances and made it a point to always return fire.
Down the stretch, Spencer started digging at the body and found a home for the right hand. Yet, Hermans continued to come forward throwing punches in bunches, not allowing her opponent to steal the momentum.
It was the high octane work-rate by Hermans versus the occasional power shots by Spencer. One judge saw it 95-95 even, as the other two judges had it 97-93 and 96-96 for Hermans, who is now a two-divisional champion.
ERIK BAZINYAN STOPS RONALD ELLIS IN IMPRESSIVE FASHION
Top super middleweight contender Erik Bazinyan (31-0, 22KO) scored a much-needed statement knockout over Ronald Ellis (18-4-2,12KO) in six rounds.
After looking unimpressive in his last two outings, Bazinyan started a little more aggressive than normal by coming forward and looking to establish the jab. He was having a hard time with the hand speed of Ellis in the early portion of the fight.
Once Bazinyan found the range and timing of his opponent’s speed, he began to land good counter shots and was finding a home for the right hand. As the fight continued, both men were doing good work on the inside.
In the sixth round, like lightning striking unexpectedly, the Canadian landed a pull-counter right hand that sent Ellis crumbling to the canvas in the sixth round. The referee waved off the fight, as Ellis tried to get up but was on wobbly legs.
To be honest, Bazinyan needed to win in this fashion, considering boxing enthusiasts were questioning the legitimacy of his high-ranking position. In the post-fight interview, he sent a strong message to everyone in the division that he is coming.
