Commey Makes Quick Work Of Chaniev For IBF Title

By Marc Livitz at ringside: Richard “RC” Commey was in control from the opening bell and he never let up. After three knockdowns in just over one round, the Ghanaian fighter captured the vacant IBF world lightweight championship with a second round stoppage win over Isa Chaniev in the first televised world title contest on ESPN on Saturday night at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas.

His reward in addition to a world championship and his fourth consecutive victory? An April date with one of the absolute best fighters in the world, Vasiliy Lomachenko. Commey (28-2, 25 KO’s) looked to establish his jab in the opening moments and only shortly thereafter did Nazran, Russia native Chaniev (13-2, 6 KO’s) just miss with a right uppercut. Richard began to swing a bit wider and with more intent midway through the period, as they each exchanged right hooks.

With a bit more than thirty seconds to go, Commey scored the first knockdown of the contest by way of a well placed straight right which had been set up by a quick left hook. Isa beat the count on shaky legs and was fortunate to have the end of the round come to his rescue. Ten seconds into the second, Commey caught him again with a left hook and sent him to the canvas.

Chaniev quickly rose to his feet, yet just seconds later in the midst of a close quarter battle, Richard delivered a sharp right uppercut. Referee Laurence Cole had seen enough and the bout was called to a halt at the 39 second mark.

“This was hard work and I listened to my trainer. I did what they asked me to do,” said the victorious Commey. “I didn’t go into the fight to try and knock him out. I just work hard in the gym.” The first defense of his title will come in April against Vasiliy Lomachenko. “At the moment, I don’t know what to say,” said the new champion.

“I just want to enjoy this moment. I’m happy that I’m a world champion.”

Additional Results from Frisco

Janibek Alimkhanuly TKO 6 Steven Martinez - Super Middleweight

Enriko Gogokhiia TKO 3 Vitor Freitas - Welterweight

Jason Sanchez TKO 2 Daniel Olea - Featherweight

Pat Day UD 10 Ismail Iliev IBF Intercont’l/WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Titles Bakhram Murtazaliev TKO 9 Elvin Ayala - USNBC Super Welterweight Title