Waseem loses title fight to Edwards

Pakistan boxer beaten 115-111, 115-111, 116-110 by unanimous decision in IBF flyweight bout in Dubai

KARACHI:

Pakistan’s professional boxer Muhammad Waseem suffered defeat at the hands of defending champion Sunny Edwards in their IBF flyweight world title fight in Dubai.

Waseem lost by unanimous decision when he received scores of 115-111, 115-111 and 116-110 on the judges’ scorecards following 12 rounds.

The victory allowed 26-year-old British fighter Edwards to remain unbeaten in his career with 18 wins. Two-time WBC champion Waseem, meanwhile, faced only his second defeat in his 13^th fight.

Waseem suffered a bruise under his left eye during the third round, which seemingly rattled him and forced him to become more aggressive, losing precious points as a result.

The 35-year-old Pakistani star required 21 stitches on his bruised face when he beat Colombian Rober Barrera in their world title eliminator last year.