An elated James ‘Jazza’ Dickens produced a career-best performance to stun undefeated Albert Batyrgaziev via fourth-round KO at the star-studded IBA Pro 7 event in Istanbul, Turkiye, on Wednesday night, July 2.
Watching on from ringside was pound-for-pound superstar Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford and heavyweight icon Tyson Fury.
The main event for the WBA ‘Interim’ and IBA Pro super-featherweight titles began at an electric pace with both men landing heavy blows from the opening bell.
However, Liverpool’s Dickens (36-5, 15 KOs) would begin to take over the fight in the third round, targeting the midriff of the previously-unbeaten Olympic champion Batyrgaziev (12-1, 8 KOs), before unleashing a blisteringly-fast left cross in the fourth stanza to send the 2020 Olympic gold medallist crashing to the canvas.
The moment the punch landed, it took the Russian southpaw’s legs away from underneath him.
Despite a gutsy effort from the defending champion, known as ‘AL-BA’, Dickens would not be denied, scoring another vicious knockdown to send Batyrgaziev through the ropes and almost back to the floor.
Though he bravely managed to beat the count for a second time, the towel sensibly came in from the corner, handing the brilliant Brit the stoppage victory at 2:26 of the fourth session.
34-year-old Dickens said this after his sensational upset, “Me and my Dad started off together, training in the house. None of this would be possible if my father didn’t believe in me. The man I am is because of the belief he showed in me… and now I’m world champion!”
He explained what went right for him on the night, “There was a point the second round where I changed up my tactics, because the tactics I implemented weren’t the tactics that we went in with, but I saw something. My coach said to me ‘I see what you’re doing, it’s working. Stick with that.’ – and we changed the tactics after round two.”
IBA President Umar Kremlev graciously congratulated Dickens after the contest, praising the Liverpudlian’s skill and determination in overcoming his formidable opponent, before discussing a potential rematch between the two men in the future.
“You are a true fighter and a true boxer.” Kremlev told Dickens.
“This is boxing. The best win. He [Batyrgaziev] has to prepare better and train better. You are the best, he is the best, you are two strong boxers. Let him train and practice and we can have a rematch. We are ready to organise it.
“My congratulations to you for the victory, so let’s get ready for the next event!”
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