Drama often follows Kerman Lejarraga and his fight with Dylan Charrat was no different. For three rounds, the European super-welterweight crown looked to be heading to France as Charrat dominated the early rounds with his brilliant jab. The fight turned in the second half and it was the Spaniard who was crowned champion via technical decision after the bout was halted early due to a clash of heads that cut Lejarraga.
Lejarraga’s career in title class was on the line against Charrat but more opportunities are likely to come his way following a gutsy effort that looked like an impossible mission in the early sessions. Charrat was superb at the start as he landed constant combinations against an opponent who had no answer to for the Frenchman’s textbook approach.
As the fight wore on, Charrat’s tactics, perfect to begin with, started to deteriorate as the pace got too much for him. This sparked Lejarraga into action and his aggressive tactics had great success and the fight flipped massively in his favour.
Heading into the championship rounds, the contest was evenly poised but a clash of heads in round nine was a blessing for Lejarraga. Early into the following session, the ringside doctor ended the action and the judges' scorecards favoured the home fighter by the narrowest of margins. Lejarraga emerged victorious but this story might have a few more chapters left.
For full highlights from tonight's show, please read below.