Ryan Rozicki and Yamil Peralta Fight to a Draw

By William Dumoulin
Photo Credit: Jeremy Fraser

This Saturday night in Sydney, Nova Scotia, WBC #1 contender Ryan Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs) and #2 contender Yamil Alberto Peralta (17-1-1, 9 KOs) faced off in a highly anticipated rematch, this time with the WBC Interim Cruiserweight Championship on the line. Their first bout ended in a controversial Rozicki victory, a result that sparked widespread debate.

The fight was of particular interest to Quebec fans, as the winner could potentially face Jean Pascal in 2025.

Controversial Scorecards

In the main event, before a raucous crowd, Rozicki employed a much different strategy compared to their first fight. His jab and body hooks aimed to slow down Peralta, who relied heavily on mobility during the bout. However, Rozicki struggled to land clean shots to the head in the early rounds.

The fight shifted in the seventh round when Rozicki started to land more consistently on Peralta, especially with his left hook. Despite this, the contest remained highly competitive, with the Argentine’s accurate jabs causing swelling under Rozicki’s left eye.

Rozicki stunned his opponent in the 11th round with a powerful hook, but Peralta endured until the final bell. To everyone’s surprise, the fight ended in a draw (115-113, 114-114 x2).

Although Rozicki didn’t secure the win, he displayed a new facet of his boxing. His next fight could once again be for this interim belt, either in a trilogy against Peralta or in a highly anticipated clash with Jean Pascal.

Brewer and Napolitano Fight to Another Draw

In the co-main event, Brandon Brewer (28-4-4, 12 KOs) faced Antonio Napolitano (8-1-3, 4 KOs) in a rematch of their 2022 draw. This second encounter was expected to settle the score, but the judges had other plans.

In a balanced fight, Napolitano utilized his technique and mobility, while Brewer relied on relentless pressure and high punch volume. After eight rounds, all three judges delivered identical scorecards (76-76 x3).

Samuel Arnold Captures WBC Youth Title

American prospect Samuel Arnold (11-0, 7 KOs) claimed his first career belt, the WBC Youth Super Middleweight Title. Facing unbeaten Julian Delgado (4-1, 1 KO), Arnold dominated the fight from start to finish, knocking out his opponent in the second round with a devastating right hand.

Other Bouts of the Evening:

• Brett Beaton (6-2, 4 KOs) defeated Javon Blackstock-Sewell (2-5-1, 1 KO) by unanimous decision (59-55 x3).
• Dylan Taylor (3-0, 2 KOs) knocked out Arnold Dinok (0-2) in the first round.
• Kharl Abello (3-0, 1 KO) won a unanimous decision over Shawn Archer (2-5, 2 KOs).