Dina Thorslund Retains Bantemweight Titles With A One-Sided Win Over Seren Cetin
Dina Thorslund defeated Seren Cetin in a one-sided unanimous decision to successfully defend her WBC, WBO and Ring Magazine Bantamweight Titles.
Thorslund was fighting in her home country of Denmark, increasing the pressure on her to perform. They were meant to fight before Thorslund’s bout with Mary Romero in February. However, Cetin withdrew with an injury, as Thorslund beat Romero. But Cetin was confident based on her pre-fight comments.
Pre-Fight
“I have been preparing for this match for a long time. From the beginning, my goal was to become the world’s No. 1. Now, I will face the current No. 1, who holds the belt I want. It is the biggest match of my career, and while there was a bit of excitement and stress, I had a good camp period. I am confident and ambitious.
“My opponent is strong but tends to move forward. I can adapt to both forward and backward movements. We have a solid plan for the match, and I am prepared to fight under pressure, as it is my strength. My pace is relentless, and I don’t think my opponent will be able to keep up,” Cetin stated
Both Start Fast
Cetin lived up to those words. The fight started at a frantic pace, with Cetin attempting to take the champion out in the first. The two slugged it out in the middle of the ring, but it was Thorslund who landed the crisper punches. The champion’s right hand landed flush on numerous occasions, redding Cetin’s face in a strong opener.
A change in tactic followed, with both fighters targeting the midsection to slow the pace. Cetin responded with a well-timed right, but Thorslund hit back with her own, as the champion’s punches had more pop. The challenger hit back in the third, with a right hand, only for Thorslund to stand tall and take it.
Neither fighter was backing down as they stood in the centre. Thorslund made the telling impression in the fourth, with a right-hand followed by a left-hand combination. The champion also connected with a massive uppercut that shook Cetin.
Thorslund Takes Control
Cetin’s pace was much slower, allowing Thorslund to cut the distance. The champion worked her way on the inside, peppering the body in the fifth round. Cetin may have had the reach advantage, but Thorslund closed the gap slowly and exchanged before backing off.
Cetin needed a stronger finish towards the back end of the fight. But Thorslund boxed much smarter, getting out of range and countering Cetin, who lunged forward and missed in the seventh. Cetin’s plan was clearly to walk down the champion. Although Cetin made it to the final bell, the judges had it clear in favor of Thorslund: 99-91, 100-90, 100-90. Thorslund stays undefeated, while Cetin suffered her first career defeat.
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