Robelis Despaigne edges out Tai Tuivasa; slugfest ends in a split decision

MVP Boxing |  

A fight many would be surprised to go past the minute mark somehow managed to reach the judges’ scorecards.

The bout started with the two brawlers throwing basic defensive training out the window and instead slugging it out. While Robelis Despaigne was landing early, Tai Tuivasa ate it and came back with a flurry of his own. Both men had their moments on the feet before an incredibly amateurish grappling exchange ensued to end the opening round.

Starting back on the feet for the second round, Tai Tuivasa was the fresher fighter, and it showed. Tuivasa landed a big left hand as Despaigne was visibly gassed. As the round ticked toward the halfway point, the Cuban landed several short shots before narrowly missing with a huge knee up the middle.

Again, Tuivasa engaged in grappling against the cage, trying to wear down the towering heavyweight. While it seemed to be working, Despaigne landed a quite impressive hip toss and gained top position on his opponent. Despite having the dominant position, ‘The Big Boy’ was unable to land anything significant, forcing Jason Herzog to stand them up. Tuivasa immediately forced the cage grappling to bring an end to the round.

A strong inside kick for Tuivasa opened the third round. Unable to mount any serious offense, Tuivasa ate some to land some, throwing bombs against the cage, but the height of Robelis Despaigne was troubling the Australian.

Boos trickled down from the crowd as the two knockout artists failed to deliver.

Robelis Despaigne walked away with the very forgettable split decision victory.