The GLORY 66 main card from Paris opened with a light heavyweight clash featuring Brazil’s Felipe Micheletti (16-7, 5 KO’s) and Dutchman Luis Tavares (60-8, 22 KO’s).
Micheletti backed Tavares to the ropes and connected with a low kick. He just missed with a right hand as Tavares circled away. A stiff jab from Tavares found its mark. Micheletti countered with his lead hook.
A massive left hand from Tavares wobbled Micheletti badly, but the Brazilian did not go down. A head kick from Micheletti failed to land as the round expired.
Tavares fired combinations to open round two. He attacked the body of Micheletti and pushed him to the ropes. The Dutchman caught a kick and swept Micheletti to the canvas, prompting a warning from the referee.
A heavy body kick from Micheletti pummeled the midsection of Tavares. An uppercut from Tavares popped the head of Micheletti just before the stanza came to a close.
Tavares came forward to open the third round. He came forward with punches and forced Micheletti to retreat to the ropes.
A heavy right hand from Tavares landed and then a counter left. The more experienced Tavares scored with a body kick and kept the Brazilian at range. The pair exchanged until the bell as the judges were asked to select victor.
The judges were split, with one giving the fight to Tavares, but the other four dissented and handed Micheletti the narrow victory.
Felipe Micheletti def. Luis Tavares by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
