In Mansfield, England on Saturday 15th June 2024, Francy Luzoho (144.4 lbs) of Ireland and Sagar Narwat (148.3 lbs) of India, 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 official weigh-in on the eve of the bout, Narwat had narrowly missed the welterweight limit, as he scaled 1.3 lbs over the 147lbs limit. This followed a day of travel for the fighter and thus ruled him ineligible to claim the title if victorious.
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 opening bell, as he tried to test the resilience of Narwat. Any thoughts that Luhozo had that he would be able to overwhelm Narwat, were 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 many of the shots and land some 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 base?
The second round saw both fighters ease the frantic pace of the first and both men had their success in the round, with Luzoho working behind a solid jab trying to find angles for his uppercuts and body work. Narwat, himself now settled into the fight, had success with his body work, and was also able to counter Luzoho 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 Luzoho remained, which was to rush and bully Narwat, but as the more experienced of the two, Narwat was having none of it, as he looked and found is own openings. A straight shot in the round however, from Luzoho did find its 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 styles seesawing championship fight. The noise at the venue was deafening by this point, as Luzoho's travelling fans from Birmingham made their presence felt.
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 their punches and work for openings to both head and body. Luzoho specifically was learning and one could see him adjust his feet, stepping to the side to create his own space. It was impressive stuff from the Irishman, who was born and raised in Dublin.
A heavy attack at the end of the fifth by Luzoho, 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. At the start if the sixth, Luzoho piled the pressure on with further heavy shots leading to further damage to the nose of the tough and willing Indian, which as later diagnosed by the ringside medical team as suffering a break.
With blood now streaming from the nose, Narwat’s corner flagged the attention of referee to indicate that their charge had had enough. Referee Ian John-Lewis waived it away and called a halt to proceedings at 2 minutes 13 seconds of the 6th round.
Following some work by Narwat’s 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 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 belt around the waist of the newly crowned 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 Luzoho entered. In a moment just for themselves, the two warriors 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.
Official Result: Francy LUZOHO (Ireland) def Sagar NARWAT (India) TKO Round 6.
WBF Supervisor: Chris Wardrope - United Kingdom