Saturday, January 31, 2009

Dominant Urango secures IBF crown

Juan Urango
Urango was the number one contender for the IBF belt

Colombian Juan Urango claimed the vacant IBF light-welterweight title with a unanimous points decision over Canadian Herman Ngoudjo in Montreal.

The 28-year-old twice floored home-town favourite Ngoudjo before sealing a 118-108, 120-106, 116-110 verdict.

Ngoudjo has now lost both his title attempts, having been beaten by former champion Pauli Malignaggi a year ago.

The outcome could have been void as the ringside timer inexplicably let round 10 drag on for more than five minutes.

Yvon Michel, of co-promoter Seminole Warriors Boxing, admitted the bout would have been invalidated had a knockout or any other significant event happened during the extra time.

606: DEBATE
Tito Ernest (U12613167)
"Someone made a mistake," Michel said.

Ngoudjo had to contend with fighting without the support of trainer Howard Grant, who had a suspension appeal turned down two days before the bout.

Grant's older brother, Otis, and trainer-broadcaster Russ Anber took over in the corner.

Urango, who lost the belt to Britain's Ricky Hatton in January 2007, said: "It wasn't an easy fight. I didn't think it would last 12 rounds, so credit to Herman."

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