Masoud Claims European Title, Sets Sights on World Championship
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A unanimous decision victory for Shabaz Masoud over Peter McGrail in Monaco has crowned him the new European super-bantamweight champion, and ignited ambitions for a world title challenge. The win marks a significant comeback for Masoud, who hadn’t fought in 13 months due to a prior injury that postponed a scheduled bout with McGrail in June of last year.
A Fight of Shifting Momentum
The contest at the Monte Carlo venue saw a dynamic shift in control. Peter McGrail, representing Liverpool, initially established a strong foothold in the early rounds. However, Shabaz Masoud, the fighter from Stoke, gradually increased his influence as the fight progressed. Despite McGrail’s efforts to make the closing rounds competitive, the judges ultimately favored Masoud.
The official scorecards reflected the closely contested nature of the fight, reading 116-111, 115-112, and 114-113 – all in Masoud’s favor.
Eyes on a Higher Prize
Following his victory, Masoud immediately signaled his intent to compete at the highest level. “I’ve got big plans,” he stated. He acknowledged the challenges of maintaining his weight class, adding, “I’m struggling making super-bantamweight and I don’t mind moving up for a world title.”
Specifically, Masoud has his sights set on a showdown with current British world champion Nick Ball, who competes in the weight class above. “That’s the fight I want. I need to move up,” he affirmed.
All-British and International Action in Monaco
The event in Monte Carlo also featured other notable results. In a separate all-British clash, Conah Walker, the reigning British welterweight champion, secured a dramatic 12th-round knockout victory over Pat McCormack, a 2020 Olympic silver medalist.
The crowd also witnessed a changing of the guard in the lightweight division, as Elif Nur Turhan of Turkey defeated Brazil’s Beatriz Ferreira – a two-time Olympic medalist – by fifth-round stoppage, claiming the IBF lightweight championship and handing Ferreira her first professional defeat.
