Clayton Stops Madani In France, Goodwin Blows Up In UK

Veteran Brazilian danger-man Anderson Clayton is the new World Boxing Federation Super Welterweight Champion after dethroning local hero Sebastien “Coco” Madani by second round technical knockout in Rumilly, France on Saturday night, April 27.

The visitor from Sao Paolo stormed out at the first bell and put pressure on Madani, and clearly surprised the champion with his aggression. One of the first punches that connected on the Frenchman quickly made his right eye swell, and by the end of the round it was almost closed.

Clayton clearly won the first round, and Madani, perhaps seeing the writing on the wall, tried to come back strong in round two. But after consulting with the ringside doctor twice, referee Christophe Hembert called a halt to the bout at one minute of the round when it was decided that Madani was unable to continue with just one good eye.

The new world champion, shed tears of joy in the ring, but immediately agreed to give Madani a rematch as soon as possible. Clayton improved his record to 42-8 (37), while Madani lost for only the second time as a professional and drops to 35-2 (10).

The fight was staged in front of a sold-out crowd of 1600 by Europrom, headed by accomplished promoter Gerard Teysseron, and went out Live in France on TV8 Mont Blanc.

On the same evening at the tradition-rich York Hall in London, England, Chris Goodwin and Irishman Oisin Fagan were supposed to contest the vacant WBF Intercontinental Lightweight title, but the fight was called off when Goodwin, 16-2-1 (0), in a show of gross unprofessionalism, came in massively overweight.

Fagan, 26-8 (15), was given the choice to go ahead with the title only being on the line for him, but after much consideration decided not to fight.