The concluding day of phase one of the World Boxing Council (WBC) Boxing Grand Prix in Riyadh witnessed thrilling heavyweight matchups. Following earlier rounds featuring featherweights, junior-welterweights, and middleweights, these larger-than-life athletes took center stage at BLVD City Global Theater. With competition rules eliminating draws and utilizing qualitative scoring for evenly matched bouts after six rounds, the stakes were high. The results showcased a mix of dominant performances, technical victories, and dramatic knockouts, setting the stage for the next phase.
In an explosive encounter, Vitaliy Stalchenko secured his spot in the next round with a decisive points victory over Dylan Rajic, making his professional debut. Judges scored the bout 57-52, 56-53, and 56-53 in favor of Stalchenko, showcasing his superior skills over six rounds. Meanwhile, Emiliano Mendoza edged out Wu Peng Yang in a back-and-forth battle, landing crisper punches en route to a unanimous decision win, with scores reading 57-56, 58-55, and 58-55.
Ahmed Krnjic demonstrated his dominance against Yordy Valenzuela, turning the tide in the third round. Initially impressed by Valenzuela's counter-shots, Krnjic's size advantage became pivotal as he unleashed powerful body and head shots, forcing the referee to intervene after sending Valenzuela to the canvas. Similarly, Devon Young delivered a brutal knockout in the second round, stunning Paulo Yuskiv with a devastating right hand that followed a series of precise strikes, ultimately ending the fight prematurely.
Davide Brito added another straightforward victory to his record, defeating Clement Gillet via unanimous decision. Brito's relentless pressure and power overwhelmed Gillet, who struggled to find openings throughout the match. Scores of 60-54 across all three judges highlighted Brito's control over the contest. Jonathan Vegara also enjoyed a dominant performance, employing a combination of jabs and power punches to dominate Steven Torres, earning unanimous scores of 60-54 on all cards.
Peter Lacz emerged victorious in a grueling matchup against Michael Pirotton, prevailing with close but consistent scores of 59-55 from each judge. Despite showing signs of fatigue, Lacz's perseverance earned him a place in the subsequent round. Lastly, Tsotne Rogava made a strong first impression by halting Lewis Clarke early in their bout. His relentless body attack left Clarke vulnerable, prompting the referee to step in after Clarke rose from an eight-count only to endure further punishment.
These heavyweight battles in Riyadh not only thrilled spectators but also underscored the fierce competition within the WBC Boxing Grand Prix. As participants advance to the next stages, anticipation builds for even more intense showdowns ahead.