Radivoje Kalajdzic claims WBA Continental North America title
On March 13, in Wednesday night’s main event, Serbian Radivoje Kalajdzic (29-2, 21KO) was crowned WBA Continental North America Lightweight champion after defeating Cuban Sullivan Barrera (22-5, 14KO) by knockout in the last round.
A fight between two veterans of the ring brought the special spice of Barrera’s return after more than three years of inactivity. Kalajdzic was only out last September when he stopped Briton Mickey Ellison in round eight.
The tune-up bout treated the audience to a spectacle of endurance, consistency and precision and the most dramatic finish when it seemed the judges would deliver the verdict.
Barrera’s right hand in round three kept the 32-year-old Serbian on his toes and he patiently built up what he managed to achieve seconds before the final bell.
Barrera, at 42, and with an extensive inactivity on his back, once again showed his courage until Kalajdzic’s determination was greater.
This is how ‘Hot Rod’, now with 29 victories, 21 won inside the bell, and only two defeats, won the black and gold WBA Continental belt of North America and returns to dream with a new world chance.