Maciej Sulecki defeats Gabiel Rosado by unanimous decision
With a world title shot on the line, Maceij Sulecki went into enemy territory. He had a scare at the end, but he did enough to earn a unanimous decision (95-91, 95-91, 95-93) over hometown Philly fighter Gabriel Rosado.
Tonight, at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pa, Sulecki claims the vacant WBO International middleweight title.
The fight got off to a bad start for the hometown favorite. At 1:35 into round one, he went down from a right-hand behind the ear. Sulecki went on to stun Rosado later in the round with another right-hand.
In round three, Rosado started to find a home for the overhand-right and did a better job countering. However, in the fourth, Sulecki regained control as he started to box off the back-foot; landing good rights on Rosado who was coming forward looking for a fight.
At the end of the round, the action started to heat up from both fighters.
The Middle Rounds
In the middle rounds, the fight followed a pattern of Sulecki controlling the action behind the jab and landing combinations to the head and body of his opponent, who was a willing warrior trying to land with overhand-rights.
In round eight, Rosado went down for a second time. This time by way of a classic left-right to the chin. Rosado was badly hurt and lucky to survive the round.
Looking out and desperate, Rosado struck and turned the fight completely around as he put Sulecki down by way of a counter right-hand towards the close of the ninth round. Sulecki went down for the second time by way of a series of shots and was badly hurt at the end of the round.
Still hurt at the start of the last round, the Polish fighter was once again caught by an overhand-right. Instead of holding, he decided to stand and trade. At this point, the Philly crowd was on its feet; urging the hometown kid to try and go for the finish.
Sulecki was able to gather his bearing and do enough to finish the fight.
A title shot against WBO Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade may be next for the winner. The champion was in attendance and did some ringside commentary on the fight for DAZN.
Andrade said that a fight against the winner would take place in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island in June. After the fight, Sulecki said he’s ready for that opportunity!
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
