At the AGON Sportpark in Charlottenburg, Germany, Italian middleweight Etinosa “El Chapo” Oliha (21-0-0, 9 KOs) won the IBF world title eliminator with a third-round technical knockout over German Alexander Pavlov (21-4-0, 16 KOs). Now, the dream of fighting for a world title is no longer just a distant hope but a tangible prospect.
Pavlov entered this crucial fight riding a wave of momentum. The German boxer had been on a nine-fight winning streak, and five months ago, he achieved his most significant victory, stunning the undefeated Thomas Piccirillo in the first round, defying all odds.
However, Oliha displayed remarkable confidence from the first bell, taking control of the center of the ring and showing Pavlov that he was not at all intimidated by his opponent’s power, as evidenced by Pavlov’s high knockout percentage.
A relatively calm first round saw the Italian boxer stand out for his greater initiative and effective, consistent use of the jab, although Pavlov occasionally managed to land a few isolated right hands.
Oliha increased the intensity in the second round, landing a barrage of punches and forcing a rather passive Pavlov to move frantically along the ropes to avoid further trouble. Just before the end of the round, a sharp uppercut caught the German by surprise, leaving him in distress as the round closed.
This moment set the stage for what was to come. At the start of the third round, Oliha found the opening for a right hand that sent Pavlov crashing to the canvas. Although Pavlov got back up and tried to continue, his face revealed the immense struggle he was enduring.
Oliha’s subsequent onslaught came to an end when Pavlov, after an accidental fall during a clinch, complained of shoulder pain, prompting the referee to stop the fight. It’s unclear whether the injury was genuine or if Pavlov was seeking a less humiliating exit than a knockout, but it was evident that the fight’s conclusion was inevitable.
After three consecutive points victories, Etinosa Oliha has returned to the knockout route, an important calling card for the prestigious challenges that await him. The middleweight division is in a period of significant renewal at the top, potentially offering lucrative opportunities for rising contenders. Unified IBF and WBO champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, for instance, recently had to postpone his title defense after collapsing while trying to make weight, hinting at a potential move up in weight and opening more space for those chasing a world title dream.
Oliha has made substantial progress since his professional debut. The fighter who used to load up on every punch, wasting energy and becoming predictable, has evolved into a much more complete and disciplined athlete. He now utilizes his jab, works consistently, and controls the distance well.
On the other hand, Alexander Pavlov’s performance was disappointing. He squandered the most important opportunity of his career, delivering a timid and passive display, ending in controversy, and never really appearing to believe he could win.