‘King’ Lyndon Arthur (23-1) captured his first World Championship on a boxing card broadcast on Friday 01 September 2023 on Channel 5.
Arthur emerged victorious in a gruelling bout against Argentinean Braian Suarez (22-2), which saw both mean knocked to the canvas.
There was controversy before the bell rang as Suarez came in over the agreed 175 pound weight limit, and was disqualified from challenging for the IBO championship. The bout went ahead nonetheless.
Arthur was in trouble from the off as Suarez attacked with spite, looking to take his frustration out on Arthur. Suarez was having success, picking up rounds, and eventually managed to drop Arthur right at the end of the fourth round. Lyndon Arthur was able to steady himself and regroup in the corner.
The fight was continuing to go Suarez’s way, he seemed to attack with more venom than Arthur, and had a surprising amount of stamina.
The fight was veering towards the scorecards, with Arthur largely clinging on with the expectancy of a points loss. In the 10th round Arthur caught Suarez with an undetected body shot. A few seconds ran by before Suarez winced in pain and fell to the canvas. He made efforts to rise to his feet, but the shot was too much to handle and he was counted out before he could make it.
Lyndon Arthur emerges as the new IBO World Light Heavyweight Champion, in a really entertaining fight. One punch changed the entire complexion of the contest, and despite being battered for large parts of the contest, Arthur did what champions do. He found a way.
Samuel Antwi vs Mason Cartwright for the British Super Welterweight Championship
Antwi vs Cartwright was the only other fight on the live TV broadcast. The early undercard was broadcast on YouTube via Wasserman Boxing.
Antwi vs Cartwright was an absolute war from the first bell. Both men went at each other straight away, with Antwi going on to dominate large parts of the contest.
There was discussion from the commentators as to whether the corner may look to pull out Mason Cartwright. He was competitive throughout the bout but was losing rounds, picking up damage, and the opportunity to win was becoming slimmer and slimmer.
Entering the 12th and final round, Antwi scored a devastating knockout that saw him capture gold. Cartwright was stunned and defenceless on his feet, and Antwi landed two punishing blows, dropping Cartwright before the referee waved it off. Antwi didn’t celebrate with any glee as medical personnel tended to Cartwright. He was conscious again shortly after the shot and left the ring of his own volition.
Antwi scored one of the knockouts of the year, similar to Leigh Wood’s shot against a defenceless Michael Conlan that knocked him out of the ring.
Show Rating
Only two fights from Channel 5 on TV, but both were great. Both entertained, had moments of back-and-forth, and ended by KO. Great stuff for Friday night boxing that’s free for everyone(ish).
★★★★★