Yuniel Dorticos has claimed the vacant IBF cruiserweight title with a violent tenth-round knockout of Andrew Tabiti, advancing to the final of the World Boxing Super Series in the process.
Tabiti started the contest in promising fashion, showcasing impressive hand speed coupled with slippery movement that enabled him to shade a couple of the early rounds.
However, the Nigerian-American was ultimately unable to make the necessary adjustments as Dorticos upped the volume and began unleashing combinations with heightened intensity and power.
Indeed, Tabiti had the look of someone who was uncomfortable under the pressure applied from his Cuban counterpart; frequently resorting to holding, something for which he was punished – somewhat harshly, perhaps – via a point deduction in the fifth round.
Overzealous refereeing was not the only problem Tabiti had to contend with, however as he was effortlessly manoeuvred around the ring by Dorticos, who at this point was pummelling him relentlessly to the body.
The ‘KO Doctor’ was unperturbed by an unsightly gash on his eyebrow caused by an accidental head clash in the sixth round, and resumed his assault with aplomb as he continued to relentlessly stalk Tabiti and hammer him with destructive shots to the midsection.
Dorticos reserves of devastating punching power eventually paid dividends in the tenth round when he caught the American with a thunderous right hand in an exchange, sending him dramatically spiralling to the canvas.
Report by: Navi Singh