In a night of high drama that left boxing fans in Glasgow both thrilled and divided, Cristobal Lorente successfully retained his European featherweight title after boxing to a contentious split draw against Nathaniel Collins. The highly anticipated clash, which showcased grit, skill, and unwavering determination from both combatants, concluded with a verdict that has sparked immediate debate and set the stage for a potential explosive rematch.
The Verdict: A Championship Hung in the Balance
The twelve rounds of intense action saw two judges favouring each fighter narrowly, while the third official couldn`t separate them at all. Eric Butel scored it 115-113 for Lorente, Hugues Hellebaut returned the same score, 115-113, but in favour of Collins. It was Antonio Marogna`s 114-114 tally that ultimately rendered the bout a draw, ensuring Lorente`s championship belt remained firmly around his waist. While the commentary team on DAZN, perhaps understandably, leaned towards their home favourite, the nuanced scoring reflected a fight that truly hung in the balance throughout its duration.
Immediate Reactions: Disagreement and a Call for Round Two
Unsurprisingly, the split decision elicited contrasting reactions from the two men who had just traded leather for 36 minutes. Cristobal Lorente, ever the composed champion, expressed his willingness for a second dance: “Of course, let’s go,” he stated, indicating his openness to settling the score definitively.
Nathaniel Collins, however, was less diplomatic, his frustration palpable. “No way that was a draw,” he declared, dismissing Lorente’s efforts with a certain panache. “There were close rounds. He might have caught me with shitey wee jabs but it was nothing. Even with the rounds I decided to take off and recover, he did nothing.” One might ponder the strategic brilliance of `taking rounds off to recover` in a championship bout, especially when the judges are meticulously scoring every exchange. Such self-assessment often comes with the sting of an undesired outcome.
A Bout of Shifting Tides: The Glasgow Gauntlet
The fight began with Collins asserting his presence. The southpaw, aiming to impress on home soil and continue his trajectory towards world-level contention, unleashed a sharp jab followed by stinging straight lefts to the body. His initial onslaught was designed to dismantle the visitor from Barcelona, and for a time, it appeared to be working, setting a blistering pace that caught fire early.
Yet, champions are not easily deterred. Following a rocky first few rounds, Lorente began to find his rhythm around the fifth. His left hook became a more prominent weapon, signalling his growing confidence. The sixth round saw a significant escalation, with Collins seemingly buzzing the champion, leading to wild, fan-friendly exchanges that had the Glasgow crowd roaring.
Despite often appearing to be fighting off the back foot, the proud European champion refused to be overwhelmed. Lorente dug deep, launching shots from both hands, not only to keep himself in contention but also to manage Italian referee Giuseppe Quartarone, who had his work cut out for him. His tenacity was undeniable, a testament to his experience at this level.
The true measure of a champion often comes in the `championship rounds.` Lorente emphatically proved this in the ninth, uncorking precise uppercuts and punishing body shots. This display of guts and conditioning was so impactful that it prompted a “severe ticking off” in Collins` corner between rounds – a clear sign that the challenger`s team recognised the momentum shift. Lorente, understanding the gravity of the later rounds, visibly raised his game, evening the score in many observers` eyes.
The frenetic pace persisted right up to the final bell, with both warriors leaving everything in the ring. As the final seconds ticked away, they embraced, each raising an arm, convinced of their own victory. The subsequent announcement of a draw, however, served as a stark reminder that in boxing, certainty is a rare commodity.
What Lies Ahead: Records and Rematch Rhetoric
For Cristobal Lorente, the draw moves his professional record to 20-0-3 (8 KOs). For a fighter who has now been involved in multiple draws, it`s another notch on a spotless, albeit somewhat peculiar, unbeaten streak. More importantly, his European featherweight title remains secure, solidifying his reign.
Nathaniel Collins, now standing at 17-0-1 (8 KOs), experiences his first career draw. While technically undefeated, this outcome might feel more like a loss given his strong conviction that he had done enough to win. The clear divergence in opinion from both camps, coupled with the undeniable closeness of the contest, makes a rematch not just possible, but arguably essential for both fighters and the featherweight division.
The boxing world will undoubtedly be watching closely. Will Lorente prove his championship mettle decisively in a return bout, or will Collins exact his revenge and claim the title he believes he was denied? Glasgow might just be treated to another unforgettable night, as the echoes of this contentious draw continue to resonate.
