Whitesands Events Center, Plant City, Florida, USA. In the main event of the show, the vacant WBO Global and WBO International titles in cruiserweight (up to 90.7 kg) were played by unbeaten prospects: American Brandon Glanton (17-1, 14 KOs) lost to David Light (20-0, 12 KOs) from New Zealand.
Great start! Glanton, as expected, immediately popped on the opponent in an attempt to impose a power fight. Light (as he claimed before the fight) is technically more savvy – he intercepted well with twos, countered with a cross, hit with a hook. In which case the guest clinched. Glanton tried to work on the body. It seemed that Light did not like it very much. Both of them were swinging their uppercuts.
In the 2nd round, the New Zealander leaned even more on clinches: he grabbed the opponent’s arms and neck, and received a remark from the referee. He is inferior in firepower and has already picked up blows (especially to the body). Glanton at times beautifully closed the distance in peek-a-boo Mike Tyson style. Spectacular fighter.
Passions ran high. It was increasingly difficult for the referee to control the course of the fight. In the 4th round, he suspended the fight, which the favorite tried to take advantage of – he rushed to the attack without a signal from the referee, trying to catch Light by surprise. And the American struck a frank blow after the gong.
The New Zealander passively started the 5th three-minute period, and then painfully countered Glanton with a blow to the body, seized the initiative. Finally, I found the distance from which I outplayed my opponent, minimizing the number of missed shots. What if this is a fracture? Does not look like it. I wonder what the judges think. Glanton seems to be leading the fight (he dictates the pace and distance), but Light’s efficiency is higher.
The American’s workrate sank slightly, or he took a break before the decisive rounds. Looks like the second option. Glanton found the strength for the final assault. Risky, but justified: he shook Light, sent him to a heavy knockdown. The New Zealander got to his feet not without problems, but was forced to survive until the final gong.
Great fight. One of the best this year.
Judges score: 95-94 Light, 95-94 Glanton and 97-92 Light (wow!).
Light SD 10.