Nikita Tszyu and Ben Mahoney fought to a split draw on Wednesday night in an IBF super welterweight title eliminator [1, 4].
The result leaves the path to the world title unclear, as the winner of the bout was scheduled to earn a shot at IBF champion Josh Kelly [1, 2].
The contest took place on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia [2, 4]. Both fighters completed the full 12 rounds of the bout [2].
Judges delivered a split decision draw [4]. This result means neither fighter secured the definitive victory required to move forward in the IBF rankings for the super welterweight division.
Tszyu and Mahoney entered the ring as top contenders in a domestic showdown intended to determine the mandatory challenger [3]. The fight was an even contest, with the result remaining undecided until the final scorecards were read [4].
Because the fight ended in a draw, the IBF must now determine how to proceed with the title eliminator. Typically, this involves either ordering a rematch or selecting an alternative challenger to face the champion.
“The bout ended in a split‑draw after 12 rounds”
A draw in a title eliminator creates a logistical hurdle for the International Boxing Federation. Since the primary purpose of the fight was to identify a mandatory challenger for Josh Kelly, the IBF will likely have to negotiate a rematch between Tszyu and Mahoney or adjust the rankings to ensure the championship trajectory remains on schedule.
