At first we thought it was finally time for Jean Pascal. But, at the age of 39, Lavallois went there with an unexpected comeback to record a unanimous decision victory over Chinese Meng Fanlong.
Although he offered a few flashes of his past greatness, Pascal (36-6-1) had a bad start to the game, Saturday night, in Tampa, against Fanlong (17-1, 10 KOs) , who thus suffered the first failure. of his career.
A slow start and a somewhat chaotic start to the match could have cost Pascal a lot of money, as he won in favor of all three jurors 115-112, 114-113 and 116-111.
However, Pascal let Meng win and accumulate a comfortable lead. It was hopeless with Pascal’s aggressiveness and experience, it suddenly became more attractive.
” I feel good. I did 24 rounds. My prolonged inactivity damaged my start in the fight. Meng was a great boxer and he gave me what I expected of him. “
After the first round of observation in which several punches were substituted, Meng began to adjust the distance to score repeatedly using his straight right.
The left of the tall Chinese man gripped Pascal’s face tightly twice to the point that he shuddered. Fortunately for the double former world champion, the bell allowed him to retreat to regain his senses.
Meng continued on the same vein in the 3rd and 4th rounds by multiplying jab attacks where Pascal remained unanswered. Despite a bit of roughness from his rival, Meng widened the gap.
Showing his first signs of frustration, Pascal rushed to Meng at the start of the 5th round, unleashing beautiful hooks and solid body shots.
But Quebecer is rapidly declining in pace. The speed with which he often gets out of trouble is gone. Meng took advantage of this to maintain the pressure.
On the 7th, running out of arguments, Pascal goes there with a double hook, which creates an action like a pincer to try to reach Meng. The referee quickly told him to put the unacceptable tool in his bag.
Slowly, we see the rugged and rebellious Pascal of good days. So he also traveled to Florida. Because he felt the consequences of the battle could escape him, Pascal launched furious attacks, but not always accurately. Orphan blows and often no follow-up.
Until this surprise, a solid right hook was launched by Pascal, which sent Meng to visit the floor at the very end of the 9th round. In turn, Meng is rescued by the bell.
Revived, Pascal wanted to add more. Methodically, he put Meng on defense for four of the last five rounds.
Ultimately, many said 31 months of inactivity was a lot. But perhaps not for one of the greatest champions Quebec has ever known.
Source: Radio-Canada
