The Star in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, featured IBF and WBO World Middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly faced off against undefeated Andrei "King" Mikhailovich, bringing a powerful showdown to the ring. The event also saw featherweight champion Mea Motu and the rise of lightweight contenders in a series of bouts.
In the main event, Janibek Alimkhanuly defended his title by stopping Andrei Mikhailovich in the ninth round of a scheduled 12-round fight. Alimkhanuly controlled the action early, using an effective jab and landing solid punches that had Mikhailovich holding back. In the second round, a left from Alimkhanuly rocked Mikhailovich, who fell for an 8-count but managed to survive the round. As the rounds progressed, Alimkhanuly’s sharp jab and power punches increasingly broke down Mikhailovich, drawing blood by the sixth round. Mikhailovich fought back courageously but was clearly outmatched, especially in the eighth and ninth rounds, where Alimkhanuly’s assault left him bleeding from both the nose and mouth. Referee Katsuhiko Nakamura stepped in to call the fight after Alimkhanuly knocked Mikhailovich into the ropes in the ninth round, ensuring a decisive win for the champion.
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IBO Featherweight champion Mea Motu displayed her dominance by stopping Shannon O'Connell in the fourth round of a scheduled 10-round fight. O’Connell, stepping in as a late substitute, held her own despite suffering a severe gash from a head clash in the opening round. By the fourth, Motu’s relentless punching forced O'Connell’s corner to throw in the towel, marking another successful defense for Motu and showing respect for her tough opponent with a post-fight embrace.
Lightweight Charlie Kazzi claimed the vacant WBC Australasia Silver title with a seventh-round knockout of Lui Magavia. Kazzi controlled the fight, repeatedly landing powerful shots and rocking Magavia in several rounds. In the seventh, Kazzi's flurry prompted referee Will Soulis to stop the fight, although Magavia protested the call.
Finally, lightweight Amed Reda continued his unbeaten streak by stopping super featherweight Joe Kara in the second round of a scheduled six-round bout.
Image Credit: No Limit Boxing