It's Showtime 46: Danyo Ilunga Frustrates Wendell Roche to Win the 95MAX World Title

Sunday, 06 March 2011 14:48

Written by Dave Walsh

Roche takes the slow approach to moving forward at Ilunga, but Ilunga more or less is scoring at will throughout the first round. The blows he is landing with aren't going to knock Roche out, but they are scoring and he is moving in and out of the pocket at will while Roche looks very tentative. You can tell Ilunga works with Remy Bonjasky. I mean that.

Roche comes out throwing his hands looking to score and get Ilunga off balance, but Ilunga's movement is causing massive problems for Roche. Roche looks sluggish already and frustrated that he can't throw his hands. Roche is pushing him back, bu Ilunga's counter punching style is really lighting him up. The look on Roche's face as he comes out for the third round is that of a homicidal maniac. Frustrated and ready to unload. Sadly for him, Ilunga's elusive style keeps him from landing and opens Roche up for shots. Roche lands a fantastic right hand that stumbles Ilunga, but he does not follow through for some reason, most likely due to fatigue.

Ilunga's frustration of Roche is still apparent, and Ilunga is not looking to get bullied himself. Wendell gave a slight push to Ilunga, who came back and shoved him hard onto his ass. Roche is not listening to his corner and working his low kick, which he needs to do to slow dow the younger, quicker and smarter Ilunga.

Going into the fifth round Wendell Roches needs a knockout and he scores a big shot early on that seems to drop Ilunga, but he also shoved him so the refereee ruled it a slip. Ilunga is smart, pushing Roche and really making him work. Roche actually falls over after throwing a punch from exhaustion.

Danyo Ilunga, the German fighter who came in a practical unknown, best known for training with Remy Bonjasky walks away with a Unanimous Decision.

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