Controversial verdict in Heidelberg: Paulinus Ndjolonimu dominates – but Simon Zachenhuber wins on points.
Undefeated super middleweight Simon Zachenhuber flew dangerously close to the sun against Paulinus Ndjolonimu at the SNP Dome in Heidelberg, but managed to win a hard-fought majority decision.
The judges were divided: While two officials scored the fight clearly in favor of Zachenhuber (28-0, 16 knockouts) – 99-92 and 97-91 – a third considered the duel even at 94-94. Many of the fans and experts in attendance considered the verdict fortunate, as Ndjolonimu (19-1, 17 knockouts) was the more active man in the ring for long stretches and caused the German southpaw to falter several times with powerful punches.
Nevertheless, the 27-year-old Zachenhuber was awarded the contract and should continue to rise in the WBO world rankings, where he is currently ranked 12th.
High-caliber undercard:
Olympic bronze medalist Nelvie Tiafack celebrated a convincing professional debut. The heavyweight (1-0, 1 knockout) forced Poland’s Jakub Sosinski (8-12-1, 3 knockouts) to the floor in the second round after a flurry of punches. Although Sosinski was immediately back on his feet, the referee stopped the unequal fight and declared Tiafack the winner by knockout.
Also successful was lightweight Devrim Goekduman (13-0, 8 knockouts), who secured the vacant IBF European title with a clear points victory over James Chereji.
In the heavyweight division, Emanuel Odiase won the vacant BDB International title with a technical knockout in the sixth round against Serbian veteran Srdan Govedarcia (13-12, 11 knockouts).