The ProBox TV Events Center in Plant City, Florida, played host to an unforgettable battle between Sergey Lipinets and Robbie Davies Jr. on Wednesday night. In a fight that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the best of 2024, Lipinets emerged victorious, earning a hard-fought unanimous decision victory after ten rounds of non-stop action.
The first two rounds saw both fighters feeling each other out, trying to establish their rhythm and gauge their opponent's strengths and weaknesses. However, the calm before the storm was short-lived, as the action began to intensify in the third round.
With mere seconds remaining in the third round, Davies Jr. landed a short left hook that visibly rocked Lipinets. The Englishman, sensing an opportunity, continued to press forward, counterpunching Lipinets and looking to capitalise on his momentum.
Lipinets struck back when it seemed like Davies Jr. had seized control of the fight; Lipinets responded with a devastating right hand that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas. Davies Jr.'s nose immediately began to bleed profusely, a testament to the power that Lipinets' carries.
The eighth round may be one of the most action-packed rounds in recent memory. Lipinets dropped Davies Jr. twice in the round, first with a left hook to the body and then with a clubbing right hand. However, Davies Jr. refused to quit, getting back to his feet and even rocking Lipinets with a left uppercut in the closing seconds of the round.
Despite the knockdowns and the damage he had sustained, Davies Jr. continued to press forward in the final rounds, showcasing his incredible heart and determination. Lipinets, however, proved to be the more precise and powerful puncher, landing the cleaner shots and ultimately securing the victory.
The judges' scorecards read 95-92, 96-91, and 98-89, favouring Sergey Lipinets. While the scores may not fully reflect the back and forth nature of the fight, there was no denying that Lipinets had done enough to win.
Lipinets vs Davies Jr will be remembered as an instant classic, an actual war of attrition between two warriors who left everything they had in the ring.
What's Next for Lipinets and Davies Jr.? For Sergey Lipinets (18-3-1, 13 KOs), this victory puts him back in the frame for big opportunities. The former IBF super lightweight champion may even get a final chance at a world title, stranger things have happened.
As for Robbie Davies Jr. (23-5, 15 KOs), this loss will undoubtedly be a bitter pill. However, the Englishman can hold his head high, knowing he gave everything he had in the ring and played his part in an unforgettable fight.
