Lightweight Beke Bas won the IBO International belt in a ten-rounder against Calista Silgado. But it was a hard piece of work.
Beke Bas continues on the road to success. The 31-year-old lightweight from Lemgo won unanimously on points against Calista Silgado (Colombia) in the Rattenfanger Halle in Hamelin on September 13. Bas (20-0, 8 knockouts) secured the IBO “International” belt over ten rounds and remains unbeaten.
Incendiary in the infight
But it was hard work. “My opponent was extremely dangerous and tried with all her might to knock me out with her swings – especially side-hooks,” said Bas after the fight. Silgado (22-20-4, 16 knockouts) was almost unstoppable in the infight, said the Lemgo native, “although that’s actually my specialty. But as soon as I went into close range, she landed her uppercuts”.
Bas continues: “That’s why I had to constantly step in and out to get my hits in without getting hit myself. What’s more, Silgado was so experienced that she quickly adapted to my style.” So she started to box even more variably in order to control and hit her opponent, who was six years older and eight centimetres taller, with her jab.
Beware of swingers
“I was agile and made sure I kept my arms up – because a swing from her would probably have sent me to the floor,” said the new IBO title holder. “Even when she hit my guard, I had to withstand the punches.” The team led by coach Kai Gutmann also played a part in the success of the fight. “Personally, I’m really happy and had a damn strong ring corner,” Bas summed up. “That also gave me a lot of strength and confidence.”
Text: Frank Schwantes