Boxing: Pyatt's pride of place: Leicester's middleweight rides high
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.(First Edition)
CHRIS PYATT made the most of his 'last chance' to hit the world standard on a night of glory in Leicester. This time winning the World Boxing Organisation middleweight title meant prestige and personal pride for Pyatt instead of just a means to inflate his bank account.
Italy's vastly experienced Sumbu Kalambay was the one to slip into the red on all three judges' cards on Wednesday, although many ringsiders felt the former World Boxing Association champion's expert counter-punching had been decisive.
It probably came down to a barnstorming finish with Pyatt dredging up the last vestiges of his stamina to win his unanimous verdict by margins of 116-114, 116-113 and 115-113.
Three years ago, Pyatt lost a WBO light middleweight challenge against John David Jackson so there was no room for failure this time. 'I'm 29 and I would never have got another go at a world title after this,' Pyatt said.
Kalambay was bitter. 'I can't come back to fight in England again after this,' he said. 'What fight were the judges watching?'
Lennox Lewis may be forced to put any plans to fight Evander Holyfield on ice after the former world champion said yesterday he wanted a rematch against Riddick Bowe. Holyfield expects Bowe to beat Jesse Ferguson tomorrow - and expects the man who took away his undisputed heavyweight crown last November to give him a title shot next.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments