A thrilling night of boxing in Nottingham saw two new champions crowned, with stories of resilience and determination taking center stage.
First up, Briton Sandy Ryan, a former welterweight world champion, proved her mettle once again by claiming the vacant WBC light-welterweight title. In a tough battle against the resilient Karla Ramos Zamora, Ryan's precision and clean counters earned her a majority decision victory. Despite breaking her right hand early on, Ryan's grit and determination shone through, showcasing her ability to adapt and overcome adversity.
But here's where it gets controversial... With scores of 95-95, 97-93, and 97-93, the fight could have gone either way, or even ended in a draw. Yet, Ryan's performance, though not pretty, was enough to secure her a spot back in the world title contention.
And this is the part most people miss... Ryan's journey back to the world stage is an inspiring one. After considering retirement following back-to-back defeats to Mikaela Mayer, Ryan made a brave comeback. She lost her WBO welterweight title in a close decision in September 2024 and was defeated again in their March 2025 rematch. But Ryan's spirit remained unshaken, and she sprinted back into the ring, determined to reclaim her place among the elite.
Next, we witnessed the rise of Bilal Fawaz, a fighter with an incredible story of resilience and perseverance. Fawaz, a Nigerian-born fighter now based in the UK, became the British and Commonwealth light-middleweight champion by dethroning Ishmael Davis in a close contest. Despite starting well, Davis couldn't match Fawaz's increased punch output in the latter rounds.
Fawaz's journey is a testament to the power of second chances. Trafficked to the UK as a teenager and having escaped a traumatic past, Fawaz is now a family man, an Uber driver, and a champion. He expressed his determination to make the most of his opportunities, saying, "I know I'm 37 years old, and time is not on my side. I want it all, and I'm ready to fight for it."
However, there's a catch... Without a British passport, Fawaz cannot travel abroad to pursue world title opportunities outside the UK. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, urged, "Get this man a passport."
The night also featured other exciting bouts, including Molly McCann's third professional win and the unbeaten runs of teenage sensations Leo Atang and Tiah Mai Ayton.
So, what do you think? Are you inspired by these fighters' journeys? Do you think Ryan and Fawaz have what it takes to conquer the world stage? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
