Shabaz Masoud Claims European Super-Bantamweight Title
In a significant showdown held in Monaco, Shabaz Masoud successfully claimed the vacant European super-bantamweight title after defeating Peter McGrail by unanimous decision. The fight showcased a strategic evolution, as McGrail from Liverpool initially set a faster pace, but Masoud, hailing from Stoke, adapted and gained control as the rounds progressed. Despite a competitive finish, the judges scored the match 116-111, 115-112, and 114-113 in favor of Masoud.
Masoud’s Comeback and Future Aspirations
This victory comes after a long hiatus of 13 months for Masoud, who had faced injury that postponed his anticipated June bout against McGrail. With this triumph, he is now eyeing a chance at a world championship.
“I’ve got big plans,” Masoud expressed confidently post-fight. “I’m finding it difficult to make super-bantamweight, and I’m open to moving up for the world title. There’s a British champion, Nick Ball, in the next weight class up, and that’s the fight I want. It’s time for me to move up.”
Other Highlights from the Event
Earlier in the event, another highlight of the evening came from British welterweight champion Conah Walker, who delivered a stunning 12th-round knockout against 2020 Olympic silver medalist Pat McCormack. Additionally, the crowd witnessed Elif Nur Turhan from Turkey become the IBF lightweight champion, as she overpowered Brazil’s Beatriz Ferreira, marking the latter’s first professional loss, ending the bout in the fifth round.
With Masoud’s compelling performance and aspirations for further victories, the boxing scene anticipates his next steps towards potential world title contention.
