Title Fights From Around the World: Ángel Ayala Dominates Dave Apolinario
Today, boxing world title fights take place around the globe and are more accessible to watch than ever before. Sometimes, championship bouts do not receive as much attention and go underreported. Big Fight Weekend commits to writing about boxing news, previews, and recaps. As such, the site now has a recurring segment on championship bouts – from around the world from the past week.
The focus of these pieces will be on clashes ranging from atomweight to heavyweight that had the WBA, WBC, IBF, and/or WBO titles on the line. This edition of “Title Fights From Around the World” consists of just one recap. In Mexico, a new flyweight champion was crowned.
Check out Dan Rafael and TJ Rives recapping all the action over the weekend, including Ayala vs. Apolinario, by pressing on the play button below.
Title Fights From Around the World
Ángel Ayala Dominates Dave Apolinario to Become Flyweight Champion
Ángel Ayala (18-0, 8 KOs) won via sixth-round knockout against Dave Apolinario (20-1, 14 KOs) to become the IBF flyweight champion.
The time of stoppage was 2:06. With the victory, Ayala now holds the title that was previously by Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, who vacated the title to move back up to super flyweight and face Juan Francisco Estrada. This was Ayala’s first-ever world title contest, and he became champion dominantly.
The fight headlined an August 9 Zanfer Promotions card at the Restaurante Arroyo in Mexico City, Mexico. Boxing fans in the United States could watch the action live on ESPN+. Those in Mexico could do so on ESPN KnockOut on Disney+.
Apolinario began the bout well but was soon struggling with the body punches of Ayala. As the fight progressed, it was those shots that allowed the Mexican to take control of things. In round five, Apolinario went down for the first time in the fight from body shots. Although he was able to get up, it was not for long. Ayala pursued his opponent and unleashed a barrage of punches to the body as Apolinario was on the ropes to send the Filipino down again. This time, Apolinario was done for the full count, giving Ayala the victory and world title.
For the highlights from the fight, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of ESPN KnockOut (this YouTube video may not be available in all territories).
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.
