Coming off a two-and-a-half-year layoff, 39-year-old former two-time world champion Jean Pascal (36-6-1, 20 KOs) upset previously unbeaten IBF #1 light heavyweight Fanlong Meng (17-1, 10 KOs) by twelve round unanimous decision on Friday night from the ProBox TV Events Center in Plant City, Florida. The taller Meng connected cleanly over the first three rounds. Pascal upped the pressure in round four and his wild aggressions began landing more frequently in round five. Pascal dropped Meng at the end of round nine and closed the fight strong. Scores were 115-112, 114-113, 116-111.
Quarterfinals of the ProBox 140lb “Last Chance” tournament
Kendo Castañeda (18-5, 9 KOs) turned in by far the most impressive performance, winning by first round KO over Sonny Frederickson (21-6, 14 KOs). Castañeda laid out Frederickson with a left hook at 2:02.
In a close fight, local hero Joseph Fernandez (13-1, 4 KOs) advanced with an eight round unanimous decision over Zhiming Wang (11-4, 3 KOs). Scores were 77-75, 78-74, 78-74.
Michael Dutchover (15-2, 10 KOs) advanced with an eight round split decision over Clarence Booth (21-4, 13 KOs). Scores were 78-74, 77-75 Dutchover, 77-75 Booth.
In a good action fight, Antonio “Toño” Moran (27-5-1, 19 KOs) advanced with an eight round unanimous decision over Jeffrey Torres (10-2, 6 KOs). Scores were 79-73, 77-75, 77-75.
The semi-finals will be Castañeda vs. Fernandez, and Dutchover vs. Moran.
I didn’t think Pascal would win, but I’m not surprised he did. Meng has never impressed me and Pascal previously got both Elbiali and Marcus Browne. I can’t imagine he’d ever get another shot at a title, but what a strange ass career Pascal has had.
Lucie knows boxing
She’s learning and will leave it at that.
lol, thanks Rob and Carter.
Very entertaining fight. A rematch may be a good idea. Meng is has a very thin resume to be #1 contender. Pascal won rounds by sheer agression and wild attacks to wich Meng froze or covered up but the fight was close. I hope Pascal does not take another hiatus and wait for a title shot . Meng has a sneaky left counter and decent southpaw jab but seemed to slip on the canvas a lot including the dubious knockdown. Decent undercard as well.
It was right for Pascal to get the decision. The way he had Meng completely dazed and beaten at the very end, that shows that Pascal defeated him in spirit, no matter what the cards read.
well, good for the always very tough Pascal
Not an upset. Meng has fought absolutely nobody and Pascal is experienced and healed after the layoff. Meng is lucky Beterbiev couldn’t fight him, otherwise his career could have been ended abruptly.
Another bogus win for the drunken sailor ,Pascal looked horrendous off balance as always and Meng was the better fighter and wobbled Pascal several times ,Pascal couldnt even dent Meng total BS.
That knock down was bull as well.
Looks like he’s on his butt to me
yeech
Why we giving slack to Jean Pascal? He’s been an exciting fighter, war horse that gives 1000%.
Well done, Pascal . You’re like good wine…you get better with age,
I disagree that this is a “shocking upset”. Just look at the resume of Jean Pascal compared to Meng. Pascal was coming wins over Badou Jack and Marcus Browne. Before that he lost a decision to Dmitry Bivol.
Now look at Mengs’ resume. His best career opponent was either Adam Deines or Frank Bugliani.
Thiessen, what fight did you watch ? In a Chinese restaurant ?
you must have been influenced by the commentors Pascal hardly landed ,most of his shots were blocked but if you listened to the crew they were screaming when the punches didnt actually connect and all those bodys shots were blocked ,it was to obivious…so I would say you dont know what your watching.
I was ringside. Those shots landed flush.
UPSET? I know Pascal had not fought in a while, but Meng number one contender?
Didn’t see the fight. Figure Pascal was washed up
Unbelievable! Tremendous victory for Pascal. I thought he took the fight for a final payday. Wow!
Pascal is an experienced former champion…been in there with the best.,.not shocking because with a fighter such as Pascal will test you…beatable but will test a fighter…Always in shape,..Good Stuff…Good win…
Upset? I knew Pascal would win no matter what…
I don’t call that an upset.
Excuse me Jean, we’d like to take random test right now, please follow me.
Boxing at its best
For me I was not an upset. Meng is Mr. Nobody except in his home. Even with 39 Pascal is much more favorite in this match in my opinion
Peds are fantastic !
They didn’t help the younger guy