Categories: MMA

“Jack the Ripper” snatched victory from “Popeye the Sailor”

Jeddah Superdome, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In the heavyweight limit (up to 90.7 kg), the former world champion in two weights, the Swedish veteran Badu Jack (27-3-3, 16 KOs), snatched victory in the confrontation with the American prospect Richard Rivera (21-1, 16 KOs). It was a fight between Jack the Ripper and Popeye the Sailor.

Rivera fought risky, however, as always: low-pubescent hands, a lot of movement, a bet on reflexes. Jack started the fight surprisingly aggressively – such a box was put to him by Jonathon Banks.

In the 2nd three-minute period, “Popeye” took a mahach in the center of the ring, wielded great uppercuts, shook the “Ripper”. He also had good moments, but Rivera’s explosiveness, manual speed and unrealistic attack angles seriously strained him. I had to load more often with blows to the body. He clinched in response.

Jack unusually often invested in blows, fell behind them, smeared a lot. He unequivocally lost the first half of the fight, but at the same time, he exhausted his opponent no less obviously. Blows to the body rule – notably beat off the “Popeye” sides. It is a very bad habit for an American to drive himself into a corner of the ring.

A funny episode happened in the 8th round. The timekeeper fell asleep (speculation), it turned out to be a 4-minute (but here, no jokes), during which Rivera got very solidly – he switched to survival mode, picked up blows, looked frankly bad, but did not fall.

The fight went all the planned distance. I wonder what the judges think. It seems that Jack snatched the victory, but he has an entertaining collection of draw fights. DAZN expert Chris Mannix has a draw.

Judges’ verdict: 96-94 Rivera, 96-94 Jack and 96-94 Jack. Everything is fair.

Jack SD 10.

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