Dennis McCann vs Ionut Baluta became an instant York Hall classic
Photo Credit: Queensberry
Friday Fight Nights are always a special treat, but none more so than when it's at the iconic 'Home of Boxing' in the heart of the E2 post code.
On August 18, Dennis "The Menace" McCann vs Ionut "Il Capo" Baluta became an instant York Hall classic as the pair thrilled in the headlining slot on the Queensberry Promotions show, broadcast live on TNT Sports.
The barnstormer in Bethnal Green ended in a majority draw meaning the vacant WBO Intercontinental title remains unclaimed and their business unfinished.
The Maidstone Menace said on his socials afterwards, "Gutted I got the draw. I fought a very good man in Baluta, I thought I done enough, I really did. I was coming on strong before the head clash.
"I will be back better and stronger, big thank you everyone for your support. Also my team and my sponsors."
Baluta was upset at the result, "It was a good night of boxing but I won. The cornermen stopped the fight, they were shaking their heads, it should have been a win because the official, the referee, didn't see it."
With so much to talk about, here are just a few reactions from the boxing fraternity:
Luke Campbell: "Great fight by both guys, but for me I thought Baluta won the fight and was robbed of the win."
Liam Davies: "It was a great fight, very entertaining to watch. I get the draw, I had it 4-4 myself. I think it was edging to Baluta's favour, he was landing big shots. McCann was outboxing him so it was a great fight and I hope they do it again, look forward to watching it, respect to both of them. It was very entertaining, very loud in here. I think the rematch would just be as good."
Anees Taj: "Its very interesting seeing how many people (bar the officials) thought Ionut won. I had Baluta up 5-4 from my view in the corner. Lets see if we’re offered the rematch now."
Sunny Edwards: "Probably right scorecards, in my opinion. All lessons learnt. Dennis will improve and bounce back, feel for Baluta, but what a scrap! Both men should take a bow!"
Dev Sahni: "Wasn't expecting to have to read out a majority draw tonight. What a night!"
Steve Bunce: "York Hall was banging. Capacity and some, and the heat. McCann will be a better fighter. Baluta is a treasure – Romania’s Kiko. Collins could be the next king of Scotland. Garner is ready now. 1,000 Ghana flags on order. Chapman is an old-fashioned talent. It was a proper night."
Tim Rickson: "Pre-fight, I expected McCann to be a bit slicker and more evasive, I certainly didn't see him getting hit as often as he did on fight night, because he never does. Baluta is so effective with his aggression and style of throwing hooks in threes and fours. You evade the first one or two then get caught by the next ones, which happened all the time, McCann was constanly tagged by that left hook and we are not used to seeing him getting hit cleanly like that.
"It was a fantastic fight and the rematch will be huge, because we've seen what this pair can serve up and everyone will be so excited to see it run back again. The rematch will be much bigger and will need a bigger venue because I think the anticipation and hype around it will be huge.
"It was such a high-octane fight, it's so difficult to score each round. I remember when watching it, I had round one to McCann, second to Baluta, then round three was completely even and I thought it was impossible to score a fight like this.
"McCann is on the ascension, so I'll be picking him to make adjustments to win the rematch. Baluta is Baluta. We always know what he is going to bring. He said afterwards that he will knock McCann out in the rematch, so he will bring his aggression and savagery again, so 'The Menace' will need to work on his skills to outbox him in the rerun.
"Both men should take a bow though, because that was beautiful brutality at it's finest!"
Bogdan Musat: "It was a very competitive fight between a very experienced fighter (Baluta), who has 5-2 with British boxers and a youngster (McCann) who put everything he has in this fight.
"McCann's first round was good enough to put some pressure on Baluta, who starts from second round to show why is he requested to fight a lot in UK. It was entertaining with a lot of action and a lot of good punches from both sides.
"In the end, I saw Baluta in front with 87-85. I hope that they will get a rematch soon, I am sure Mr. Warren will make this happen. Baluta has to get a better defense and to think a little bit more before he starts the action and McCann has to put more pressure in order to get a win in a rematch."
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