In Offenburg, Germany, on Saturday night, Rocky Fielding produced the performance of his life to claim the WBA world super-middleweight title.
Fielding was matched against the German fighter Tyron Zeuge who had never been beaten in his 23-fight career.
However, Fielding, who has rebuilt his career since being beaten inside a round by Callum Smith, not only silenced the partisan home crowd but managed to stop the champion well inside the distance.
Boxing cleverly, the fight turned in Fielding’s favour in the fourth round when he caught Zeuge with a jab and a right hook that had the German in trouble.
Saved by the bell, Zeuge was in further trouble early in the fifth round when he was caught by an uppercut that saw him sag against the ropes
Sensing this was the moment when he could grasp the world title, Fielding caught Zeuge with a body shot that left the champion on the canvas.
Knowing their man was in trouble, Zeuge’s corner threw-in the towel and Fielding danced a jig of delight knowing he was the WBA world super-middleweight champion.
After the verdict had been announced, Fielding had this to say from ringside as reported by the BBC
“It feels amazing – the fact I came here, to his backyard, and stopped him.
“I just stuck to the plan. I know he’s a great fighter and I had a lot on it. This is my dream.”
Here at Vital Boxing, we congratulate Rocky on a marvellous performance and look forward to seeing who his first defence will be against, there is no greater achievement than going to a champion’s backyard and winning the title.