With calculated precision, William Scull maintained his unblemished professional record and claimed the vacant IBF super middleweight title. The rising star outmanoeuvred US-based Russian contender Vladimir Shishkin in a bout that was a nail-biting, edge-of-the-seat experience for spectators until the final bell.
The judges' scorecards reflected the closely contested nature of the fight, with Scull emerging victorious by unanimous decision. The margins of 116-113, 116-112, and 115-113 underscored the narrow gap between the two fighters' performances throughout the twelve rounds.
The match unfolded as a chess game in the ring, with Shishkin adopting an aggressive approach, constantly seeking to close the distance and initiate exchanges. In contrast, Scull embodied the essence of a counterpuncher, patiently waiting for openings in his opponent's offence to exploit.
Despite the contrasting strategies, both fighters showcased their skill, struggling to land significant blows consistently. The bout was characterized by its technical nature, with many rounds proving challenging to score due to the scarcity of impactful punches. The absence of knockdowns further emphasized the evenly matched skill sets of the two combatants.
As the fight progressed, tension built among the crowd, with each round intensifying the anticipation for a breakthrough moment. However, in the final round, the audience glimpsed a potential shift in momentum. Shishkin appeared to have Scull in trouble, igniting hopes for a dramatic finish.
Yet, Scull's composure under pressure proved crucial. The newly crowned champion expertly neutralized Shishkin's late surge by smothering his attacks and utilizing his boxing acumen to navigate the precarious situation.
With this victory, Scull secures the prestigious IBF super middleweight title and extends his undefeated streak to an impressive 23 wins. The outcome of this tactical battle cements Scull's position as a formidable force in the division and sets the stage for potentially exciting defences of his newly acquired championship belt.