Italian Olympian Guido Vianello achieved a monumental victory as he defeated Arslanbek Mahkmudov by eighth-round TKO, marking the most significant win of his boxing career. This triumph occurred on the same night that Canadian super-middleweight prospect Christian Mbilli showcased his dominance against Sergiy Derevyanchenko.
In an anticipated rematch, Vianello faced Mahkmudov nearly a decade after their first encounter in the World Series of Boxing, where an ear injury led to Vianello’s retirement. This time, Vianello’s strategy paid off. He opened aggressively, connecting repeatedly with right hands, notably causing Mahkmudov’s left eye to swell by the end of the third round.
Despite struggling with impaired vision, Mahkmudov attempted to control the ring but was penalized a point in the sixth round for illegal punches. Vianello continued his onslaught, while Mahkmudov’s glove grazed the canvas, though it was not counted as a knockdown. Ultimately, the ringside physician determined Mahkmudov was unable to continue at the beginning of the eighth round.
“I am a contender now. I am ready for the world level, and I proved that tonight,” Vianello stated post-fight, reflecting on his preparation and confidence going into the bout.
Meanwhile, Christian Mbilli triumphed over Derevyanchenko in a commanding 10-round unanimous decision. The young contender, ranked among the top three by major sanctioning bodies, relentlessly attacked from the start, landing powerful punches in a fight marked by Derevyanchenko’s struggle due to a left bicep injury sustained in the third round.
Despite his injury, Derevyanchenko displayed resilience, but Mbilli’s balanced mix of speed and power proved overwhelming. He maintained his unbeaten streak, finishing the match with scores of 100-90, 99-91, and 98-92.
“I’m ready for big fights and to be a world champion. To be the best, I have to beat the best,” stated Mbilli, expressing his ambition for future challenges.
In light of these exciting matches, boxing fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming showdown between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on September 21.
