Sam Noakes Outboxes Yvan Mendy to Add European Lightweight Title
(Kingpyn Boxing News, April 15, 2023)
Sam Noakes may have gone the distance for the first time in his career, but the unbeaten 26-year-old produced an excellent display to outbox and outfight the accomplished Yvan Mendy and add the European lightweight title to his British and Commonwealth crowns.
Despite Mendy’s extensive experience at the European level, having never been stopped in 55 fights, Noakes proved he could rise to the occasion and pass the most serious test of his credentials thus far. The fight was made on just three weeks’ notice when Queensberry, struggling to find opponents for Noakes’ British title, decided to pitch him into a shot at the vacant European belt.
Rather than relying solely on his punching power, the level-headed Noakes attacked Mendy’s body from the outset, sapping the veteran’s strength. While the French fighter calmly absorbed the head shots, Noakes’ body work undoubtedly took a toll. As the fight progressed, Noakes showcased his boxing skills, maintaining his composure and adjusting his tactics when Plan A didn’t immediately work.
“Mendy, known for his defensive prowess, struggled to keep Noakes at bay, and by the later rounds, it was clear the younger fighter was in control.”
Noakes refused to chase the knockout, content to outbox and outmaneuver his opponent, displaying his defensive awareness and variety of skills.
In the end, the scorecards were a formality, with all three judges scoring the fight 120-108 in Noakes’ favor. The undefeated boxer passed the biggest test of his career with flying colors, adding the European title to his growing collection of accolades.
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