Saturday night at the Gymnase des Maradas in Cergy-Pontoise, Val-d’Oise, France, WBA/WBC World female featherweight champion Jelena Mrdjenovich (37-10-1, 19 KOs), from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, retained her titles via split decision over previously undefeated Gaëlle Amand (14-1, 1 KO), from Cergy-Pontoise, Val-d’Oise, France, after 10 rounds.

The final scores were 97-93 twice (Robert Verwijs and Stefano Carozza) and 95-96 (Erkki Meronen).

Going into the fight, Mrdjenovich said, “She (Amand) has not faced someone of my caliber or my power. But it will certainly be an interesting challenge for me. I have no seen footage of her fight, but I am confident.”

That confidence paid off. Fighting out of the blue corner in purple and black, Mrdjenovich used her size, reach and experience to good advantage.

Amand, fighting out of the blue corner and wearing white, proved to be a tougher challenge than expected for the long reigning featherweight champion.

Mrdjenovich took the victory in her stride. It was a close-fought fight, but it was a fight she won.

Amand was disappointed having lost, but vowed to return.

“I had the impression of never quite getting started,” she said. “The challenge was beautiful. I wanted to win and am disappointed. But I’ll come back stronger.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqD9IOzAGTQ

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.