Francy Luhozo (7-1) versus Sagar Narwat (15-2-1) for(Vacant) WBF Silver Welterweight Championship – 15th June 2024, Shirebrook Leisure Centre, Mansfield, United Kingdom
Photographs courtesy of Rob Callum Roe, Media Images Photography
In Mansfield, England on Saturday 15th June 2024, Francy Luhozo (144.4 lbs) and Sagar Narwat (148.3 lbs) provided those in attendance with 6 rounds of drama and excitement that will long live in the memory. The fighters gave us a bout which will surely be in the running for the British & Irish Boxing Authority Fight of the Year at the close of 2024.
At the weigh on the eve of the bout, Narwat had narrowly missed weight, as he scaled 1.3 lbs over the 147 limit. This followed a day of travel for the fighter and thus ruled him ineligible to win the title.
However, the disappointment did not prevent Narwat from giving his all in the contest, which commenced at an extremely fast pace, with Luhozo rushing to the centre of the ring at the bell, as he tried to test the resilience of Narwat. Any thoughts that Luhozo had that he would be able to overwhelm Narwat, where quickly dispelled in that first attack, as not only did Narwat stand up to the barrage of punches, he also displayed exceptional levels of ring craft in evading or deflecting the barrage of the shots and land some of heavy blows of his own in return. Relentless pressure, was noted throughout the round by Luhozo, as those at ringside questioned was he putting to much in to early attacks, pumped up by his massive travelling support?
The second round saw both fighters ease the frantic pace of the first and both men had their success in the round, with Luhozo working behind a solid jab trying to find angles for his uppercuts and body work. Narwat, himself now settled in the fight, had success with his body work, and was also able to counter Luhozo as he came forward. Narwat was prepared to be patient in his offence and as the round closed had good success with his own body work and jabs.
The third round, was no less glorious and brutal. Both men continued to work away with educated pressure. The obvious tactic from Luhozo remained to rush and bully Narwat, but the more experienced man (on paper) was having none of it, as he looked and found is own openings. A straight shot in the round however, from Luhozo did find the target and lead to damage of the nose of Narwat.
The four and fifth rounds following a similar pattern, with neither man giving an inch and landing significant shots. The educated boxing fans were enjoying this classic small hall bout. The noise in the hall was deafening by this point, as Luhozo’s travelling fans from Birmingham made their presence known.
What was impressive throughout the contest was the development of each fighter, as they sought their openings. As the fight progressed, both could be seen to adjust their attacks, vary the punches and work for openings to both head and body. Luhozo specifically was learning and one could see him adjust his feet, stepping to the side to create his own space. It was impressive stuff, overall by the man, who was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland.
A heavy attack at the end of the fifth by Luhozo, changed the fight and resulted in further damage to the nose of Narwat, which was assessed by his corner at the end of the round. As the sixth commenced, Luhozo kept the pressure up and further heavy shots lead to damage to the nose of the Indian man, which as later diagnosed by the ringside medial team as suffering a break. With blood now streaming from the nose, the corner of Narwat, got the attention of referee, Ian John-Lewis and signalled the end of the contest at 2 minutes 13 seconds of the round.
Following some work by the corner, both men met in the centre of the ring and embraced before the official announcement. Despite the contest being scored 50-45 up to the point of the stoppage, the scorecard did does not reflect the effort or the closeness of the well contested rounds. All that was left now was for WBF Supervisor Chris Wardrope (UK) to place the famous blue, red and this time silver belt around the waist of the new champion.
As a footnote, and away from the noise of ringside, both men were given their post fight medical in a private room, prior to the press interview. Narwat was already in the room with Supervisor Chris Wardrope and one of the ringside doctors when Luhozo entered. In a moment just for themselves, the two embraced and shared some private words. The respect these men had for one another shone through in this moment. It will no doubt last a lifetime.
Result: Luhozo won Round 6, (2 mins 13 seconds). Referee Ian John-Lewis accepted corner retirement. WBF Fight Supervisor: Chris Wardrope (UK)
