Joyce, Lasisi dominate magical boxing night in Dubai

David Oliver Joyce became the new WBO European featherweight champion after defeating Stephen Tiffney on a historic night in Dubai.

A stunning view of the Dubai skyline was the backdrop for the iconic sold out event with Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum also in attendance.

Joyce (10-0-KO8) overcame a cut early in the fight to stop Tiffney in the seventh round of their fight, picking up his first title as a professional in the process.

There was a victory for local hero Aliu Lasisi too, who defeated Ricardo Blandon to win the vacant WBC International super-flyweight title.

Unbeaten Lasisi (13-0) won the fight by unanimous decision, with the judges scoring the contest 114-111, 114-111, 114-,111 in his favour.

On the undercard, there were also wins for Sultan Zaurbek, Shakhobidin Zoirov, Mateo Tapia, Majid Al-Naqbi, Zuhayr Al Qahtani and many more on a fantastic night of action.

Ahmed A Seddiqi of Round 10 Boxing said: “We are really happy with everything that happened. It is a big moment for Dubai and it’s just the beginning for this region.

“We’d like to thank MTK Global for all of the support, along with ESPN+ and Top Rank. Congratulations to all of the fighters as they were all amazing.”

Jouce said: “It was an unbelievable performance, so thank you to MTK Global and all of the Dubai people who came out to see it. I was confident going into the fight because I was on weight, and everything was perfect.

“For the past 14 weeks I’ve lived like a professional. For the first time ever I’ve had all of the right meals and the right amount of training and sleep, so I have to credit my nutritionist for getting me in this fantastic shape.”

Lasisi who beat Ricardo Blandon for WBC International super-flyweight title, said: “Ricardo Balndon is a good fighter and was a very tough guy. I thought I would knock him out but he gave me a very good fight.

“I’m very happy to fight in my hometown in front of all of these fans, and I’m pleased to win the WBC International super-flyweight title.

Rising star Sultan Zaurbek continued the extremely impressive start to his professional career with another win over Chenghong Tao inside the distance.

Zaurbek was dominant throughout the contest, dropping Tao in round five with a heavy shot which lead to the finish. It means Zaurbek has now won all six of his fights, with four by knockout.

Exciting star Shakhobidin Zoirov sent a huge statement out to the professional ranks after a destructive first round knockout win against Anthony Holt in his debut.

Zoirov needed just 18 seconds to get the win, knocking down his opponent with a powerful shot, with Holt unable to get to his feet and Zoirov earning a superb victory.

Mateo Tapia said after beating Gaganpreet Sharma, “What a fight. I performed on the international stage for the first time, and I don’t know what it was but I felt a bit off. I got the job done though and that’s the most important thing.”

Majid Al Naqbi, who defeated Vladimir Lytkin, said: “I want to thank MTK Global, Round 10 Boxing, Top Rank and ESPN for their full support. It was my first professional fight and it felt different to amateur boxing.

“I’m the second professional boxer from Dubai in history, and that is big for me. It was a brilliant occasion, especially with it being in my hometown, and without these people it wouldn’t be possible. The next step is to go forward and I have big ambitions.”

It was a perfect performance for Abilkhaiyar Shegaliyev as he put in an incredible display to blast away Teimuraz Abuladze inside a round. The Kazakhstan star knocked his opponent down three times on his way to picking up the dominant stoppage win.

Zuhayr Al Qahtani after beating SK Saheb, said: “I did relatively well but there is much room for a better performance. He took some good punches and had a good chin, so well done to him as he was a tough, rugged opponent.