Wembley Arena, London, England. The WBA world champion in the flyweight (up to 50.8 kg) Ukrainian Artyom Dalakyan (22-0, 15 KOs) snatched victory in the confrontation with his mandatory contender Costa Rican David Jimenez (12-1, 9 KOs).
Dalakyan worked a little as the first number, jabbed, moved, then gave the advantage to the challenger. The attempts of the Ukrainian to clinch the opponent at the entrance to the close distance were not very successful – Jimenez punched from the clinch (or when leaving the clinch).
The champion gave up the initiative in the 2nd round, but then countered well with a left hook. Jimenez immediately began to back away, rubbing his back against the ropes of the ring. The Costa Rican returned to work as an aggressive number one in the next three minutes, but his pressing is not very effective so far – Dalakyan meets beautifully with a jab and a left hook, deftly leaves on his feet, often clinches.
Wow, what an aggressive challenger caught! In the 4th round, Dalakyan fell behind the blow and failed. Jimenez immediately rushed at the Ukrainian, rewarded him with a solid blow to the body. He offers the age champion just a cosmic pace, trying to impose power boxing. So far, the Ukrainian is holding on, but it is not easy for him. The fighters collided with their heads – Jimenez has a solid cut, but it does not interfere with him (in the temple area).
Great clues in Dalakian’s corner. They advised to abandon the side ones, work more straight. The champion boxed in advance, jabbed more often, complicated the challenger’s task. He was forced to raise the density of the battle, at times forced the Ukrainian to accept exchanges. Jimenez was clearly enjoying what was happening in the ring, even working a little on camera. Funny character.
The fighters got carried away in the 9th round and did not hear the gong. It looks like even the referee was a little confused. Very noisy, the Ukrainians are loudly supported. Dalakyan looks solid, despite the pressure, breathes well. Perhaps a little harder to work on your feet, but well meets the Costa Rican.
The championship rounds have begun. The fighters exchanged dangerous hits: an uppercut from Dalakyan against a left hook from Jimenez. Great fight. In general, competitive. The champion boxed a little more effectively, but a draw cannot be ruled out.
The score of the judges: 115-113, 115-113 and 116-112 in favor of the champion.
Dalakyan UD 12. Beautiful!