Commey loses split decision to Easter in world title bid

Ghana’s Richard Commey lost in his bid to become Ghana’s eighth boxing champion after he lost by a split decision to Robert Easter Jr in their clash for the vacant IBF Lightweight championship.

Both fighters had entered the fight unbeaten and with a reputation for hard hitting and delivered on just that with a fight that had most fight fans at the Santander Arena in Pennsylvania on their feet for large portions.

 After even paced early rounds which had both fighters exchanging power punches, Ghana’s Commey made the first big move of the fight in the eighth round of the fight when he threw his trademark right hook. The shot caught Easter unawares and he stumbled and touched the canvas,leading the referee to to rule it a knockdown.

The action continued unabated in the 9th when Easter struck. The Ohio native sent Commey to his knees with a blistering left hook but the Ghanaian held on as Easter Jr.pressed home his advantage.

With both fighters exhausted,round 12 would be prove to be the deciding round as Easter stayed on the offensive against the visibly exhausted Commey who was staggered with a right shot to the head.

Judhe John Mackaie scored it 113-114 for Commey,Ron McNair scored it 115-112 for Easter while Craig Smith scored it 114-113 also for Easter to give the former U.S Olympian his first world title.

Commey’s record now stands at 24-1, 20 KOs whilst Easter improved his unbeaten record at 18-0 14 KOs.