Alycia Baumgardner Wins Rematch Over Christina Linardatou
Alycia Baumgardner (15-1, 7 KOs) avenged the only loss of her professional career with a unanimous decision victory over Christina Linardatou (14-3, 6 KOs). The bout headlined a card at the Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan, USA. Baumgardner won the bout with scores of 99-91 and 98-92 (x2).
Earlier this year, Baumgardner became the undisputed champion at super featherweight on the undercard of Amanda Serrano-Erika Cruz. Saturday night’s bout against Linardatou was the first defense of her undisputed status. It was also a rematch of a fight that took place almost five years ago in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. Linardatou was victorious that night as she claimed a split decision in an eight round non-title fight. This time, however, Baumgardner was prepared for whatever Linardatou brought.
Alycia Baumgardner vs. Christina Linardatou 2 fight recap
Baumgardner had a strong opening round, using the jab to set up power shots. Linardatou, who had entered the ring confidently despite the boos during her ring walk, was unable to do much of note in round one. Baumgardner slowed things done in the second, allowing Linardatou to claim the round due to greater activity.
Linardatou remained competitive in the early rounds of the bout with her aggressiveness. Her aggression did cost her in round four which saw Baumgardner put together a flurry that kept Linardatou on the defensive. In the fifth, Linardatou began to land more confidently with her right. A left hand caused Baumgardner to switch to southpaw, later landing a snapping uppercut closer to the end of round five.
Baumgardner dominated the remainder of the fight. She was able to land three uppercuts in succession in round six. In the eighth, she appeared to have Linardatou stunned. To her credit, Linardatou not only remained standing for the rest of the round but also made it to the final bell.
In the final round, it appeared that Linardatou was aware that she was behind on the scorecards. As a result, she began to unload. Baumgardner was prepared for this and fought defensively, picking her shots wisely en route to a unanimous decision victory.
“Katie Taylor I want you; Chantelle Cameron, Amanda Serrano,” said Baumgardner when asked about what was next.
Despite teasing a move up in weight, Baumgardner also stressed that she does intend to continue defending her titles at super featherweight.
“I will continue to defend my titles at 130 [9st 4lbs/59kg] because I can do that,” she said.
“I’m great, I’m getting better. I can always work on something. I’m not perfect. One thing about me, I’m a student of the game. I will keep learning and keep on applying.”
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â Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) July 16, 2023
Currently writing out of Toronto, Canada, Saadeq first became a boxing fan while living in Doha, Qatar. Looking to become more involved in the sport, he began writing about boxing and has had work published in outlets such as Seconds Out and Boxing Social. He looks forward to continue covering boxing on Big Fight Weekend.
