In one of the worst robberies in recent memory, Germany’s Sebastian Formella captured the IBO World Welterweight title from incumbent Thulani Mbenga via close unanimous decision at CU Hall in Germany.

 

Final cards read 116-112, 115-112 and 114-113, all in favor of Germany’s Formella, who won four rounds at best on most scorecards. Even the primarily German crowd was stunned by the decision. Mbenge took the fight to Formella all night, pounding him to the head and body. The challenger was game but little else.

 

Nevertheless, signs of a brewing upset were there. Mbenge was repeatedly warned for throwing low blows although the punches appeared legal. In the ninth, he was deducted a point for a low blow that was on the beltline.

 

Nevertheless, the South African closed strong down the stretch, but it wasn’t enough. Somehow all three judges saw it in Formella’s favor. Another black eye for boxing.