“The Ukrainian boxer unexpectedly lost to Labinot Jojai”, — write: sport.ua
Despite the significant difference in size in favor of the Ukrainian, Djozhai started the fight much more confidently – he easily broke through to close range, combined blows and forced Zahozhy to constantly knit the fight. In the second round, the Ukrainian sent his opponent to a knockdown, but he failed to develop success.
Oleksandr gradually gave the fight in favor of the representative of Kosovo – Labinot attacked lightning fast, moved confidently on his feet and avoided counterattacks from Zahozhy. The Ukrainian boxer could not find a comfortable distance and looked very unsure.
The champion constantly clinched and hit the back of the head of Jojai – the hall buzzed with displeasure, and the judge periodically warned the Ukrainian boxer because of the dirty manner of conducting the fight.
In the sixth round, the contender delivered several dangerous blows and almost knocked out Zahozhy – he survived in the ring and could not adjust to his opponent. The Kosovar completely controlled the fight and did not allow the Ukrainian to dictate his terms. The seventh round turned into a one-sided beating of the champion – Labinot smashed his opponent with side kicks.
Zahochy evened out the fight a bit in the eighth and ninth rounds – aggressively moving forward, trying to finish his opponent, but his strength was getting less and less. Jojai sent Zahozhy to a knockdown in the tenth round, but he did not have time to finish – the gong sounded, which allowed the Ukrainian to recover a little.
The result is twice 116–110 and 115–111 in favor of the Kosovar. Labinot Djozhai became the new European champion, and Zahozhiy lost for the first time in his career.
🚨HUGE UPSET IN GERMANYLate replacement and 7/1 underdog Labinot Xhoxhaj survives a Round 2 knockdown and puts Oleksandr Zakhozhyi down in Round 10 to win the EBU Heavyweight Title via a 116-110×2, 115-111 UD
Both men were exhausted from an early stage. A low level contest pic.twitter.com/njT0jzaWnk
— Tokkerū (@ATokkers5) November 23, 2024