Joy for Joyce on Magical Night in Dubai

Joy for Joyce on Magical Night in Dubai

David Oliver Joyce became the new WBO European featherweight champion after defeating Stephen Tiffney on a historic night in Dubai.

A stunning view of the Dubai skyline was the backdrop for the iconic sold out event live on ESPN+ and iFL TV, with HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also in attendance.

Joyce (10-0-KO8) overcame a cut early in the fight to stop Tiffney in the seventh round of their fight, picking up his first title as a professional in the process.

There was a victory for local hero Aliu Lasisi too, who defeated Ricardo Blandon to win the vacant WBC International super-flyweight title.

Unbeaten Lasisi (13-0) won the fight by unanimous decision, with the judges scoring the contest 114-111, 114-111, 114-,111 in his favour.

On the undercard, there were also wins for Sultan Zaurbek, Shakhobidin Zoirov, Mateo Tapia, Majid Al-Naqbi, Zuhayr Al-Qahtani and many more on a fantastic night of action.

Ahmed A. Seddiqi of Round 10 Boxing said: “We are really happy with everything that happened. It is a big moment for Dubai and it’s just the beginning for this region.

“We’d like to thank MTK Global for all of the support, along with ESPN+ and Top Rank. Congratulations to all of the fighters as they were all amazing.”

Here’s all you need to know from a special night of boxing…

DAVID OLIVER JOYCE bt STEPHEN TIFFNEY TKO7
WBO European featherweight title

Joyce: “It was an unbelievable performance, so thank you to MTK Global and all of the Dubai people who came out to see it. I was confident going into the fight because I was on weight, and everything was perfect.

“For the past 14 weeks I’ve lived like a professional. For the first time ever I’ve had all of the right meals and the right amount of training and sleep, so I have to credit my nutritionist for getting me in this fantastic shape.”