World Weekend Roundup: Wilder, Estrada, Chudinov Victorious

ByWellington Amadulu

This biggest fight to occur this weekend was a WBC heavyweight title clash between champion Deontay Wilder and challenger Johann Duhaupas at Legacy Arena in the American city of Birmingham.

From the first bell, Wilder, who has now made two defenses, both in his hometown, was the quicker man. The challenger sought to eliminate Wilder’s height and reach advantage by coming forward the entire contest but lacked the necessary defense and as a result was hit repeatedly.

Duhaupas showed an amazing ability to take Wilder’s massive power and keep coming forward, landing some of his own shots but suffered cuts as early as the first round.

The European had his moments in the middle rounds as Wilder slowed down but the champion regained his command of the proceedings by the seventh.

By the tenth frame, Duhaupas was battered, bloodied and bruised as Wilder continued to deliver punishment up until a sustained barrage convinced referee Jack Reiss to halt the one-way traffic at 0:55 of the 11th round.

Duhaupas showed massive heart and courage but was kept on the defensive by the busier Wilder, who landed over half of his punches.

Wilder moves to 35-0 (34) while Duhaupas gets stopped for the first time to fall to 32-3 (20).

At Wembley Arena in London, England, WBA super middle “regular” champ Fedor Chudinov, 14-0 (10), defended his belt with a 120-106, 118-108, 117-109, UD over challenger Frank Buglioni, 17-2-1 (13).

Russia’s Chudinov displayed a greater degree of skill, handily turning back the ambitions of local man Buglioni, who lost two points in the sixth by decking the champion after the bell.

Chudinov retains the title he won in Germany against Felix Sturm in May, proving himself to be something of a road warrior.

Heading over to Boxing mad Mexico, the WBA “super” and WBO flyweight crowns were on offer as dual champion Juan Estrada, 33-2 (24), clashed with southpaw ex-WBA titlist Marquez, 39-6-1 (28), at Centro Convenciones in Puerto Penasco.

In his first world title opportunity in three years, Marquez was in for a tough night, hitting the floor on seven occasions, getting back up an amazing six times before failing to do so at 1:26 of the tenth round.

Estrada wins his seventh straight contest, having now retained both his titles five times.