In Levallois Perret, France, on the undercard of the Jean Marc Mormeck-O'Neil Bell rematch, European Union light middleweight champion Christophe Canclaux (34-2, 20 KO's) turned back spirited Spanish challenger Jaume Pons (23-2-0-1 NC, 9 KO's), winning a hard-fought, deserved unanimous decision. The popular 30 year old titleholder, who is rated by both the WBA (#14) and the WBC (#19) was a heavy favorite, having faced a higher level of competition. By the third round, he seemed to be in total control. The 33 year old challenger's face was bruised and puffy and every time he did land a blow, Canclaux fired back in bunches.







In the 4th round, although Canclaux was still landing the heavier shots, Pons was able to open a cut by the champion's right eye. He outworked and outpunched Canclaux for most of the 5th until the Frenchman landed some hard left hooks near and at the bell. Those punches were signs of what was to come in the 6th canto as Canclaux dominated the action, winning the round handily. The 6th round also clearly illustrated Pons' grit as he remained on his feet despite absorbing heavy punishment. As did the 7th, when after an exciting exchange, Pons signaled for Canclaux to "Come on" and Canclaux obliged him, firing a fusillade of telling blows.







The challenger came back in the 8th, pressing forward. Canclaux worked Pons' body well but Pons did enough to put the round in his column. Not so in the ninth when Canclaux hurt Pons badly twice. Remarkably, the tenacious challenger came forward effectively again until the champ landed a a wicked uppercut which would have dropped most opponents. Pons shook it off, and in the 10th, snapped Canclaux's head back twice only to be strafed with punches in return.











In the 11th, Pons was still throwing many punches but they seemed to lack the snap they had in the previous rounds. However, when Canclaux started to take over, Pons, out of nowhere, landed a shot that shook up the champion and forced him to hold on. Canclaux, recovering during the minute between rounds, came out to end it in the 12th but again Pons fought back with intensity. They exchanged power shots, leaving Canclaux looking tired. He again held on, only to have the fans boo him. That sparked a resurgence and the champion went on the offensive. The crowd applauded wildly as the two warriors battled to the final bell.







When it was over, there was no doubt that Canclaux had retained his title. Referee Mickey Vann scored the fight 117-112 (the same way I did) and judges Jean Giancomantonio and Roger Tilleman each had it 117-111- all in favor of the reigning EU champion.







It would seem Canclaux deserves a shot at European champion Michele Piccirillo. Whether he gets it is another matter. The defeated but valiant challenger should be afforded the opportunity to regain the Spanish title and, if Canclaux can dethrone Piccirillo, Pons should be allowed to fight for what would then be the vacant EU title.