Number 1 ranked WBO cruiserweight Roman Fress (23-1-1, 13 KOs) and Armend Xhoxhaj (23-4-1, 12 KOs) fought to a highly controversial split draw in their rematch in Messehalle, Magdeburg Germany on Saturday.
Their first encounter in May 2022 saw Xhoxhaj win by split decision to hand Fress the first loss of his professional career, however this bout had much higher stakes as it was the first fight in history to have 3 WBO regional titles on the line, and the winner would have secured the definitive #1 mandatory contender spot for the WBO world cruiserweight title, a title David Benavidez won on May 2 by knocking out Gilberto Ramirez.
As the rematch began, it was Fress who looked sharpest as he opened the fight with intensity, landing several crisp power shots, however the fight took a major turn in the third round as Xhoxhaj sent Fress to the canvas in the beginning of the round, and once again towards the end of round 3.
Following the explosive third round, Fress regained his composure, however it was Xhoxhaj who maintained control throughout the majority of the fight, consistently pressing the action and forcing Fress into the corners.
When the final bell rang, it seemed clear that Xhoxhaj had done more than enough to secure the victory. However, in a decision that left the crowd in disbelief, the judges declared the fight a split draw. The controversial decision means the mandatory position for the WBO cruiserweight belt remains unresolved, and a third fight between the two to determine the number one contender is a high possibility.