Jokin ‘Hunter’ García captured the absolute European lightweight boxing championship after defeating Salvi Jiménez by points in a contested decision at La Casilla. Fighting before an audience of 1,500 spectators in a venue favored by the Indautxu boxer, the 26-year-old local athlete overcame a second-round knockdown to claim the continental title.
A Volatile Title Bout in Bilbao
The championship fight started at a fierce pace with both competitors immediately pressing the action. Jiménez signaled his intentions early in the encounter, landing a heavy blow that sent the Basque fighter to the canvas during the second round. Following the knockdown, García faced severe pressure from an animated opponent who threatened an early stoppage. The early momentum swung away from the local fighter as he absorbed clean punches in the third round, falling behind both physically and psychologically.
A frantic exchange of blows in the fifth round restored momentum to García in a fast-paced battle. Jiménez fought comfortably from middle distance during the first half of the scheduled twelve rounds, utilizing superior speed and explosiveness.
Tactical Shift and Championship Rounds
Facing a deficit on the cards, García adjusted his tactics during the back half of the bout. Both fighters exhausted their energy reserves in a high-voltage finish. As the eighth round concluded, ‘El Cazador’ raised his right fist toward the crowd, continuing to press forward despite absorbing heavy punishment. Jiménez countered while smiling and gesturing whenever García’s punches landed.
The bout reached the final bell with both competitors exhausted and trading brave punches. The judges scored the bout 111-116, 116-111, and 115-112, awarding a points victory and the European title to the local fighter amid a mixed reaction from observers. Following the decision, García offered his opponent a rematch.
Fighter Profile and Undercard Results
With the victory, Jokin García moves his record to 15 wins, including 8 knockouts, alongside two defeats and one draw. The fight card also featured several neoprofessional championships in Euskadi. Peio Gutiérrez defeated Aritza Brazo, Gilen Ibarzabal earned a victory against Jon Arce, and the matchup between Carlos Barbosa and Elkin Molero ended in a draw.
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