Oubaali successful in first defense against Villanueva

WBC world bantamweight champ Nordine Oubaali cruised to a stoppage victory in the main event on Saturday at Barys Arena in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan over Arthur Villanueva.

The contest which was a part of the nation’s celebration of Capital City Day showcased Oubaali from the opening bell not only dictate the pace but punishing Villanueva as well. The broadcast made a note of it, and it was apparent that Villanueva while game, seemed to be a step behind of Oubaali.

In the sixth round, Villanueva was knocked down with a nice left that landed on the top the head that sent him down. He got up early from the ten count and despite a flurry was Oubaali, was able to hang on to end the round. Before the bell rang for the seventh, Villanueva’s corner decided to continue no longer.

Here is the knockdown in the 6th by Oubaali. #MTKKazakhstan pic.twitter.com/rTgysMUZcz

— Tim – Boxeo Boxen бокс 拳闘 Boksing มวย Boks 拳击 (@Hock1717) July 6, 2019

For Oubaali (16-0, 12 KO), this was the first successful defense of his bantamweight crown.

Oubaali said after the fight about what’s next is  “I don’t know what’s next. I box all the boxers I want. I want all the belts”.

Well, see what if this in store for him next and if this will set a future unification bout for the Frenchmen. He has hinted at before the contest about meeting up with Japan’s ‘Monster’ Naoya Inoue in a coming unification showdown.

After that, an interview was held with Billy Joe Saunders, and he issued a challenge to Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin. Saunders, in the ring, mentioned that his contest with Callum Smith fell through and that him in his management team will see who is next up for him next week. Saunders said to the crowd he was willing to take on Golovkin, who was not in attendance in his native home of Kazakhstan. The response from the crowd to this was less than receptive, but it could be intriguing if that develops.