David Light Wins Split Decision Over Brandon Glanton
In the cruiserweight division, the WBO hosted a title eliminator between two undefeated fighters in Brandon “Bulletproof” Glanton (17-1, 14KO) and David “The Great White” Light (20-0, 12KO).
Glanton, ranked #7 (WBO) and #9 (WBA), caught the attention of the boxing community after defeating prospect Efetobor Apochi via a split decision in 2021. He went on to win the next three fights by knockout en route to capturing the vacant WBO Global title against Mario Aguilar on September 9.
In 2019, The Great White was featured in a 3Kings Boxing prospect watch, fighting his way through the rankings. The New Zealander, rated #6 (WBO) and #9 (IBF), defeated veteran Mark Flanagan for the vacant WBO Oriental title in 2019. He received a nice boost in the rankings after grabbing the vacant WBO International title against Anthony Martinez on May 7.
CLOSE QUARTERS COMBAT
This fight was fought in a phonebooth from the word go as Bulletproof jumped on top of the visiting New Zealander, landing the jab and right hooks to the body. He used that bulky size and strength to move his opponent around the ring. Moreover, he found a rhythm early and was landing right uppercuts, knocking the sweat off the visiting opponent.
Light picked up the pace and started landing the overhand right counter on a charging Glanton. However, he got hit with several hard right-hands due to a lack of head movement.
BOTH FIGHTERS CAME TO FIGHT
In the middle rounds, Glanton continued to lean on The Great White, pushing him against the ropes and pounding the body with thunderous hooks. He picked up the pace with a barrage of punches.
Light showed heart by responding with a straight right-hand and double hooks to the body. He took advantage of Bulletproof resting in intervals to run off a good series of shots to the chin while going to the body.
CLOSE QUARTERS EQUALED CLOSE TO CALL
It was a battle of wills as both men let their hands go. Glanton continued to push hard, landing that right hand followed by the uppercut. Light fought back with the straight right-hand and worked the body. It was nip-and-tuck as both fighters were finding success going into the final round.
In round ten, Glanton came charging forward with a punishing three-punch combination that had Light hurt. The Great White finally went down to the canvas after receiving a shot to the body but managed to get back up.
Bulletproof attacked and was landing bombs to the chin, going for the stoppage. Yet, Light responded with a double left hook followed by a right-hand that prevented the referee from stopping the fight. As the final bell sounded, both fighters raised their hands, and the crowd cheered with approval.
That knockdown may have been the difference-maker in such a close fight. One judge had it 95-94 Glanton, while the two had it 95-95 and 97-92 for David Light. The last judge’s scorecard is absurd and disrespectful to the sport.
3Kings Boxing had it 96-93 for Brandon Glanton. Light will receive a massive boost in the rankings and will be knocking on the door of WBO champion Lawrence Okolie pretty soon.
By: Garrisson Bland
