In an all-action unification clash, WBO junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer (16-0, 5 KOs) seized the IBF belt of Maiva Hamadouche (22-2, 18 KOs) by ten round unanimous decision on Friday night at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. It was toe-to-toe from the opening bell. Both were willing to trade all night, but Mayer got the best of it down the stretch. In the end, judges weren’t giving Hamadouche anything. Scores were 98-92, 99-91, 100-90.
“I really wanted to show everyone in the division and the naysayers that I didn’t have the power and the grit to stay in there for 10 rounds with Hamadouche that I am the best in the division,” said Mayer. “I am coming to be undisputed, and I want the big fights. I’m definitely a threat.”
Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum added, “This was a sensational fight, one of the best fights of the year, male or female. These two ladies are a credit to the sport, and they left it all in the ring. It was a close fight, but I felt Mikaela did more than enough to have her hand raised.”
In the co-feature, jr lightweight Luis Melendez (17-1, 13 KOs) scored a somewhat controversial eight round unanimous decision over Thomas “Gunna Man” Mattice (17-2-1, 13 KOs). Scores were 77-75 3x.
Unbeaten jr lightweight Andres Cortes (16-0, 9 KOs) won by third round TKO over Mark Bernaldez (23-5, 17 KOs). A flurry by Cortes prompted a referee’s stoppage at 2:12.
17-year-old lightweight phenom Abdullah Mason won his pro debut by second round TKO over Jaylan Phillips (1-1, 1 KO). Referee’s stoppage at 2:09.
Middleweight Ian Green (15-2, 11 KOs) won an eight round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Tyler Howard (19-1, 11 KOs). Scores were 80-71, 79-72, 79-72.
Super middleweight Rowdy Legend Montgomery (7-3-1, 5 KOs) scored a devastating third round KO over Martez McGregor (8-6, 6 KOs). A crushing right hand put McGregor down for several minutes. Time was 1:10.
It wasn’t the smartest way to go about it, but I’m glad Mayer fought that way. That was fun. No way it was that big of a gap in the rounds, but I thought the right person deserved to win.
Look Mayer clearly lost first 5 rounds and second half of fight mayer needed every round to get a DRAW…then the REF GETTING invovled ..was other issue…i truly thought a draw or French fighter won 6 rounds..REMATCH IS A MUST
Rod, totally agree with you!
If Mayer had been KOd, those incompetent and biased judges still would have awarded her a split decision win! Outrageous! Message to Plant: You’re going to need seven 10/8 rounds tomorrow night for a victory!
Floyd would beat both of them
Would you think the French fighter would get a fair chance on the score score cards ?Like Don King use to say; Only in America.It was a real close fight, but Mikaela is a lot prettier.
I thought Mayer won but 10-0???? Disgraceful scorecard. Hamadouche won 3 first 5
Amanda Serrano beat this two figther , stop running Mayer
Serrano KOs both
Another blatant robbery, hope my countrymate gets a rematch. Enough is enough, this year is another one full of controversy in boxing.. You rarely hear about robberies in the UFC..
Mattice got robbed against Melendez.