Both fighters had a lot of support in the arena for this all-Italian showdown which meant that both received big cheers as they made their way to the ring. With so many friends, family and supporters in attendance, neither would countenance defeat.
The fight started as it would play out, both fighters pouring on the pressure from the outset. A big right hand from Radwan looked like it might be about to end things early when Bruno dropped to the canvas but the referee ruled it a slip and didnât even give him a count, which Radwan can rightly feel aggrieved about.
In the end it didnât matter though. The fight was rather even going into the second round and both were punching and kicking with abandon, often at the expense of their defense. It meant that big shots were getting through and both were taking and giving damage.
The first (counted) knockdown of the fight came halfway into the round when Bruno pressed Radwan into the ropes then hit him with an overhand right that landed with the sound of a piece of wood being snapped in half. Radwan turned away and took a couple of steps, momentarily confused as to what was going on, then went to the canvas to take a count.
On the restart Bruno was all over him and a clinch-knee to the jaw made him drop one knee to the mat for a second, but the referee did not intervene for a count as he should have, perhaps an attempt to pay Radwan back for the missed knockdown in the first round.
Regardless, Bruno sensed the finish being near. Radwan fought a desperate rearguard action across the ring but got backed into a corner. Bruno came in and delivered his second knee of the fight to Radwanâs jaw. He went down again and this time the referee was in immediately to wave the fight off under the knockdown rule.
R2, 2:37, TKO, Referee Stoppage (Knockdown Rule)
