Defending champion Bilal Laggoune had a good start closely winning the first 2 rounds. French visitor Doudou Ngumbu edged the next 2 rounds with fast and accurate combinations. After 4 rounds with the WBC open scoring all 3 judges had it 38-38.
The middle rounds were hard fought with both boxers having their moments. There was a lot of clinching and Laggoune was severely warned by referee Daniel Van de Wiele to keep his punches up. Both boxers slipped a few times on the wet canvas. After 8 rounds it was scored 76-76, 77-75 and 75-77.
It was Doudou Ngumbu who had the better finish digging deep to win at least 3 out of the last 4 rounds. After 12 rounds it was the visitor Ngumbu who was belted as new WBC Francophone lightheavyweight champion with a split decision. French judge Robin Dolpierre had it for Ngumbu while Belgian judge Brahim Ait Aadi had it by the same margin for Laggoune. Robert Verwijs from the Netherlands scored it a for Ngumbu who fully deserved this win. Chairman Houcine Houichi supervised the excellent titlefight
Laggoune’s corner was very disappointed as it was the local star’s first defeat with a record of 20-1-2 while Doudou Ngumbu is now 36-7-0. But he is much better than his record shows.
