Probellum made its promotional debut at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, and it wasn’t without its teething problems. In the main event, Sunny Edwards defended his IBF flyweight title with a commanding points win against Jayson Mama.
Paul Butler was due to be challenging John Riel Casimero for the Filipino’s WBO bantamweight title, but the champion didn’t make the weigh in due to illness. Joseph Agbeko agreed to step in for Casimero, but a meeting between the Ghanaian and Butler didn’t materialise, and that contest was scrapped at the last minute.
The main event saw ‘Showtime’ Edwards make a first defence of the title that he had expertly won against Moruti Mthalane in April, and he was due to meet Mama in September, only to suffer an ankle injury as fight week approached. Mama was challenging for world honours for the first time.
The first round saw both men studying one another, with both taking turns to fight in bursts. Mama was awkward for the first couple of frames, but once Edwards solved the puzzle, he boxed beautifully, befuddling the challenger with punches from various angles. After halfway, Edwards was in complete control, and scored a knockdown early in round ten from a cuffing shot that Mama complained was behind his head. The result was in little doubt as the contest went the distance, and two scores of 118-109, and a third at 117-110 gave the champion the win. Thoughts will now turn to a unification clash with WBC champion Julio Cesar Martinez, who fought Edwards’ brother Charlie in 2019.
Heading into the final round. What a masterclass this has been from @SunnyEdwards.#ProbellumRevolution | TONIGHT | Coca-Cola Arena#Boxing #Dubai #Probellum #EdwardsMama pic.twitter.com/F4ArVoayQ4
— Probellum (@probellum) December 11, 2021
Confusion reigned at super flyweight, as Donnie Nietes and Norbelto Jimenez fought to a ten round draw, but Jimenez believed the contest was to be held over twelve frames. Both men had 96-94 scorecards in their favour, but the third judge ruled the contest 95-95 meaning the pair couldn’t be separated.
Jono Carroll chalked up a win on the card, taking out Aelio Mesquita out inside two rounds at lightweight. Carroll scored three knockdowns in all.
Bakhodir Jalolov returned to the pro ranks after capturing gold at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, and the heavyweight took less than a round to dispatch Julio Cesar Calimeno. A cuffing left hand did the damage, and Calimeno sat out the referee’s count.
Blink and you’ll miss it. A massive knockout win from @BakhodirJalolov.#ProbellumRevolution | TONIGHT | Coca-Cola Arena#Boxing #Dubai #Probellum #BakhodirJalolov pic.twitter.com/iq1xAJAg3O
— Probellum (@probellum) December 11, 2021
Hasibullah Ahmadi scored a highlight reel type knockout win in his contest with Nafir Baloch. The end came in the fourth round of a scheduled eight, and a massive left hook flattened Baloch heavily, and he was counted out.
Knockout of the Year Contender!
Hasibullah Ahmadi, ladies and gentlemen. #ProbellumRevolution | TONIGHT | Coca-Cola Arena#Boxing #Probellum #Dubai #HasibullahAhmadi pic.twitter.com/xsJZZlSwVo
— Probellum (@probellum) December 11, 2021
Fahid Al Bloushi scored a third round stoppage against Kamurudeen Boyefio at super featherweight, while Rohan Date remained unbeaten, taking a six round win on the cards against Kelvin Dotel, with 60-53 verdicts returned across the board.
Sultan Al Nuami took all four rounds in his super flyweight encounter with Sahil Rahman N.
