Jelena Mrdjenovich Becomes Featherweight Champion

Canadian Jelena Mrdjenovich dominated Soledad Matthysse for 10 rounds to become the World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight champion, titles that were previously held by Matthysse.

The two faced each other on August 1, 2015, in a unifying fight. Matthysse was the WBA champion and Mrdjenovich was the WBC champion.

On that occasion, Matthysse defeated Mrdjenovich by unanimous decision. The people of Buenos Aires saw their champion win a new title.

But this time, Mrdjenovich was the local and put up a great performance in front of her fans.

Matthysse took control of the fight in the first part, using her speed and precise combinations to score points against the Canadian. Mrdjenovich relied on her right hand to take the lead.

She knew that her best distance was in close range, as she had trouble hitting from a distance and was at risk of being hit by one of the powerful punches from Mrdjenovich up close.

Mrdjenovich increased the intensity of the fight as she realized that if she didn't step up her game, she would be defeated by the determined Argentine.

With her short-range punches, Mrdjenovich found the path to victory, as Matthysse's reaction time was not good enough. Matthysse threw punches but didn't connect efficiently, while she received strong right hands from the Canadian.

The fight was very close and perhaps the difference was made by Matthysse's knockdown, where Mrdjenovich landed a solid punch that sent her to the canvas.

After that, the round ended with intense back and forth exchanges.

In the end, Mrdjenovich was awarded the unanimous decision victory.

WBA Press Release:

Canadian Jelena Mrdjenovich became the new WBA featherweight world champion and regained her WBC title after defeating Argentine Soledad Matthysse by unanimous decision with scores of 96-93, 97-92, and 96-93.

Mrdjenovich managed to withstand a strong start from the Argentine, and then took control of the fight, which took place at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

With this victory, the Canadian's record stands at 36 wins, 10 losses, 1 draw, and 19 knockouts. Matthysse's record is now 14 wins, 8 losses, 1 draw, and 14 knockouts.