Dennis McCann vs Ionut Baluta (18-08-2023) Full Fight
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SportsTranscript
00:00 [Buzzer]
00:02 [Inaudible]
00:04 ...expect a professor at all times, a BAME master's and what's the rate?
00:07 Any questions? Let's go to work.
00:09 [Crowd noise]
00:16 Well this one is absolutely fascinating and there is an awful lot on the line.
00:22 [Crowd noise]
00:26 You can sense it around this bare pit of an auditorium.
00:30 [Crowd noise]
00:34 Big step up for Dennis McCann tonight, no question.
00:37 I think he's ready for it. Remember they've sparred a lot in the past so they know each other.
00:43 And both are fairly confident coming into this contest.
00:47 Baluta very experienced, durable, been 12 rounds a couple of times.
00:52 Dennis McCann, remember, has never been past 8. So this is a big step up for him against a durable guy.
00:58 Bigger man as well isn't he?
01:01 Yeah.
01:02 Stands taller, longer reach, significantly longer reach.
01:05 Yeah, but I'd certainly expect McCann to have early success in the opening of the contest, in the early rounds.
01:11 But it's down the stretch where Baluta will come strong. So fascinating on this.
01:17 And how well will Baluta cope with the Southpaw style of McCann.
01:22 Great atmosphere here. And there's no knockdown there of course.
01:26 He stumbles over and referee Marcus MacDonald says, "Carry on."
01:31 Just a bit embarrassing that for Baluta.
01:33 Yeah, but a first clear sign that they're going to struggle with the distance.
01:37 Baluta there, see, throwing the right hand from too far out.
01:40 And his right leg then comes round and comes square.
01:43 So he's got to get closer but the front feet are going to clash.
01:46 A certain clash of styles.
01:49 Southpaw and Orthodox always problems with the front feet.
01:53 Baluta already going looking for him though with that big right hand in this opening round.
01:57 Good jabs there from McCann.
02:00 Who's settling the better? Early stages just feeling each other out.
02:05 Again Baluta falling short of the target with that overhand right hand.
02:10 Good work from McCann. Leaping in behind that right uppercut.
02:15 It's not bad for McCann just staying on the outside.
02:17 What he doesn't want to do John is get greedy here.
02:19 This is good work from him. He's boxing at range.
02:22 That's what he needs to do and frustrate Baluta to come forward like that.
02:26 Too far out and misses the target.
02:29 So McCann's got to hit, move, maintain a gap and frustrate his opponent.
02:34 And don't get too greedy early.
02:36 Good left hand from Baluta.
02:38 McCann takes it and he aims for a repeat and is then pushed over by McCann.
02:43 And the referee I suspect is going to speak. No he isn't.
02:46 He allows the action straight away to resume.
02:49 Long left hook wasn't it from Baluta.
02:52 Got his feet into range.
02:54 So it's all about concentration here.
02:57 Interesting opening round. That's a good straight left hand from McCann.
03:02 But back comes Baluta.
03:05 Just the edge you suspect in hand speed with McCann in these early stages.
03:11 And he's jabbing nicely.
03:13 He's boxing well because he's hitting and moving backwards.
03:16 So it's like a defensive jab just to maintain the gap.
03:19 You see there it is out straight.
03:21 Occasionally he'll move back just to maintain the gap.
03:24 It's clever boxing. It's to get the opponent to come over the front foot.
03:27 Closing seconds of the opening round.
03:30 There's the bell and a good opening round for Dennis McCann.
03:40 Welcome back to your call where Dennis McCann is being told by Alan Smith.
03:44 Just wait for him to come to you and catch him on the way in.
03:48 Yeah and make him make mistakes. That's what he just said to him.
03:51 Frustrate him, make him come over the front foot and bring him onto counters.
03:54 But you've got to concentrate.
03:56 Opening round to McCann? Yeah, no question.
03:59 It's a 10 round of this for the vacant WBO Intercontinental Superbantamweight title.
04:06 First round to McCann.
04:08 BALLOOTA! BALLOOTA! BALLOOTA!
04:12 BALLOOTA! BALLOOTA! BALLOOTA!
04:16 Again good work from McCann punishing Balloota.
04:20 We know Balloota is going to be there to the very end.
04:23 And he's dangerous. Every second of every round is Balloota.
04:26 This is the man who pushed Michael Conlon all the way.
04:30 That's a good right hand from Balloota.
04:33 And he beat Andrew Kane a matter of months ago.
04:36 He's hard, he's tough and he's heavy handed.
04:39 Liam Davis showed you the way to beat him.
04:42 You spoke about it earlier.
04:44 You boxed at range, you fought in spurts.
04:46 Got him on the inside occasionally and boxed a clever contest.
04:49 But to do that you've got to concentrate all the way.
04:53 This guy is tough and he will keep coming.
04:56 You've got to keep him quiet basically.
04:59 And that's what Davis did. He did it very well.
05:02 Chants going up from the rival sections of fans.
05:06 The bulk of course, many of them from the travelling community cheering on Dennis McCann.
05:13 Marcus McDonnell, an experienced, no-nonsense referee.
05:21 Good movement from McCann there again.
05:26 Hitting and just spinning off and getting back to the centre of the ring.
05:29 What's important is he doesn't back onto the ropes.
05:32 Got to go back once maybe and shoot across and get round again.
05:36 This is where Balloota will be dangerous.
05:39 But again, McCann just senses the danger and gets out of it.
05:43 Whenever he gets into range, Balloota is looking for huge headshots.
05:47 And as Richie says, concentration for McCann on that famed footwork is going to have to serve him well.
05:54 And don't get complacent. That's another key thing here.
05:59 Out point Balloota, who's dangerous. Good work from McCann now.
06:03 He's got to move.
06:04 And Balloota just nullifies the attack, John.
06:08 McCann sticking out that right-hand jab.
06:15 Balloota trying to launch a big right hand. It was parried by McCann.
06:20 Oh, he didn't parry that. Good left hand from Balloota.
06:26 McCann shows he's got a good chin.
06:29 Yeah, cracking shot there from Balloota.
06:31 McCann just allowed him to close the gap and he launches with that left hook.
06:36 He's caught McCann a couple of times with that shot.
06:39 The bookies had McCann as short as 4-1 on to win this.
06:46 And he didn't have to go too far in the boxing world to find people who thought that Balloota has a real chance.
06:56 Last few seconds of the second after McCann wins the opener.
07:21 Did that big shot of Balloota win him that round, Richie?
07:25 Yeah, I think he did a better work, especially towards the end of the round.
07:28 And that would have caught the judges' eyes. That's what they'll remember.
07:30 So better work from Balloota.
07:32 McCann just allowing him to close that gap down.
07:34 There's that big launch with the left hook that caught McCann.
07:37 So McCann's basically got to keep the punches straight.
07:40 Balloota of course closing that gap down. That's where he's dangerous.
07:45 Got a bit of a right attack in the corner there, Dennis McCann.
07:50 From Alan Smith, very experienced trainer who's been with him right the way through his professional career.
07:56 Into the third round. Too soon to say who's going to batter.
08:03 He's going to batter.
08:04 There's the straight shots you see. Balloota just struggling there.
08:25 Oh, good left hand and another big attack.
08:30 This one from Balloota and McCann has to hold on.
08:34 I think he really felt the weight of that left hand.
08:38 And the referee is going to tell Balloota, "I'm in charge here. You listen to what I'm saying."
08:44 A little bit too eager there. That's helping Dennis McCann if anything.
08:48 But just gets caught again with that long loop in left hand.
08:52 The sign's not good here for Dennis McCann right now.
08:58 Big hits again. More swinging hooks from Balloota.
09:01 And McCann's going to have to dig in and he's going to have to work hard and he's going to have to buy time.
09:08 Keeps getting caught with these long shots from Balloota who's launching from far out but he's hitting the target.
09:14 This is going to be a real test for Dennis McCann.
09:17 York Hall is absolutely rocking.
09:24 Balloota just feeling the pace slightly here.
09:27 That's no knockdown. Stumble and the referee says no knockdown.
09:33 No punch landed. Swung off balance.
09:37 McCann's got to stay disciplined. Got to keep the punches dropped.
09:44 Oh, good shot. Good punch. Good left hand up from McCann.
09:48 Balloota walks straight on to him.
09:51 That was a bit of an equaliser. That was a belting shot.
09:54 He's not fully recovered yet. Walking backwards still.
09:57 Now McCann, you can sense, really fancies it after Balloota dominated the early stages of the round.
10:04 McCann counts as well again.
10:06 So much at stake.
10:13 Talk about the winner of this.
10:17 Particularly if it's McCann fighting Liam Davis who's watching at ringside tonight.
10:22 Straight shots again from McCann. That's better for him.
10:28 Balloota always dangerous.
10:31 But it's accuracy with the straight hands. That's back again.
10:34 Dennis McCann, that's good.
10:36 McCann and his corner, I'm sure, will criticise the referee for stopping that attack.
10:43 Earlier in the round, Marcus McDonnell, I said, was a tough man.
10:47 And he will stand for no nonsense.
10:49 McCann's come back really well in this third after Balloota dominated the first minute.
10:54 It's actually done Dennis McCann a bit of a favour.
10:58 Getting caught early on in the contest because he's concentrating more now.
11:02 Not making the mistakes that he was earlier.
11:04 And boxing better, McCann.
11:07 What a good round this is.
11:09 If you're watching with us tonight, I'll tell you what, you've made a good decision.
11:14 Very difficult to score that one, Richie.
11:16 Yeah, it's a tough round. He could have scored it.
11:18 But he's got a good round.
11:20 And he's got a good round.
11:22 And he's got a good round.
11:23 And he's got a good round.
11:24 And he's got a good round.
11:25 And he's got a good round.
11:26 And he's got a good round.
11:27 And he's got a good round.
11:28 And he's got a good round.
11:29 And he's got a good round.
11:30 And he's got a good round.
11:31 And he's got a good round.
11:32 And he's got a good round.
11:33 And he's got a good round.
11:34 And he's got a good round.
11:35 And he's got a good round.
11:36 And he's got a good round.
11:37 And he's got a good round.
11:38 And he's got a good round.
11:39 And he's got a good round.
11:40 And he's got a good round.
11:41 And he's got a good round.
11:42 And he's got a good round.
11:43 And he's got a good round.
11:44 And he's got a good round.
11:45 And he's got a good round.
11:46 And he's got a good round.
11:47 And he's got a good round.
11:48 And he's got a good round.
11:49 And he's got a good round.
11:50 And he's got a good round.
11:51 And he's got a good round.
11:52 And he's got a good round.
11:53 And he's got a good round.
11:54 And he's got a good round.
11:55 And he's got a good round.
11:56 And he's got a good round.
11:57 And he's got a good round.
11:58 And he's got a good round.
11:59 And he's got a good round.
12:00 And he's got a good round.
12:01 And he's got a good round.
12:02 And he's got a good round.
12:03 And he's got a good round.
12:04 And he's got a good round.
12:05 And he's got a good round.
12:06 And he's got a good round.
12:07 And he's got a good round.
12:08 And he's got a good round.
12:09 And he's got a good round.
12:10 And he's got a good round.
12:11 And he's got a good round.
12:12 And he's got a good round.
12:13 And he's got a good round.
12:14 And he's got a good round.
12:15 And he's got a good round.
12:16 And he's got a good round.
12:17 And he's got a good round.
12:18 And he's got a good round.
12:19 And he's got a good round.
12:20 And he's got a good round.
12:21 And he's got a good round.
12:22 And he's got a good round.
12:24 [CROWD CHANTING]
12:27 Baluta coming, swinging shots in.
12:38 And he wants McCann to trade with him.
12:40 You can see him trying to beckon him in.
12:45 McCann trying to use fleet footwork to stay away.
12:48 He's just got to stay disciplined and don't get
12:50 dragged into that type of a contest.
12:52 That's what Baluta wants him to do,
12:54 wants him to take the bait, stand and trade.
12:56 And Baluta's got every chance of landing those big shots.
12:59 But if McCann keeps the punches straight,
13:01 it's more difficult for Baluta.
13:03 [CROWD CHANTING]
13:06 McCann trying to keep his shape, trying to box neatly
13:12 behind that southpaw lead.
13:15 [CROWD CHANTING]
13:19 Baluta showing aggressive intent,
13:21 but he's not landed so much so far in this round.
13:25 Got a tremendous engine, that's Baluta.
13:27 That was good work from both boxes, McCann, Catty, and Baluta.
13:31 But Baluta coming back with a cracking right hand.
13:34 [CROWD CHANTING]
13:37 Tight round.
13:46 [CROWD CHANTING]
13:49 Baluta aiming those hooks,
13:57 particularly the right hand from way, way back.
14:00 [CROWD CHANTING]
14:03 I think the gun shields come out.
14:06 Yes, indeed.
14:08 So the ref takes Baluta back to his corner
14:12 to hoops of derision from the Cannes fans.
14:15 It's incredible, isn't it?
14:16 This is just the fourth round, and this is the 12th round.
14:19 How will they be able to keep this pace?
14:22 [CROWD CHANTING]
14:25 10-rounder, should I say, John, on the 12th rounder,
14:37 but still, it's brought it to tremendous pace indeed.
14:44 Referee this time has a word with Baluta about use of the elbow.
14:48 [CROWD CHANTING]
14:51 That's it from Baluta, got into range
15:02 and landed a couple of clubbing body shots.
15:05 Tight round, that's not easy to score.
15:11 Yes, very close indeed, it's what you prefer.
15:14 Untidy round as well.
15:20 Baluta fights in spurts.
15:27 Occasionally you think he's tiring, then he comes back.
15:30 But he does take seconds off here and there.
15:33 But now he's turned it around and McCann's responded.
15:36 What a dramatic end to the round
15:38 and an old-fashioned stare from Baluta.
15:41 Here's Dennis McCann with Alan Smith.
15:50 Difficult round to score, that, Richie.
15:52 Close round, I just thought McCann nicked it personally.
15:56 But it could have gone either way.
15:58 So you've got it 2-1 McCann with one level as we move into the fifth.
16:04 Yeah, that's how I've got it, yeah.
16:06 [CROWD CHANTING]
16:09 Baluta just waiting for McCann to commit himself.
16:24 [CROWD CHANTING]
16:35 Chance for both fighters.
16:37 We'll get a word with Karl Frampton at the end of this round
16:46 for a third perspective on how we think it's going.
16:49 Baluta again, just swinging wildly.
16:55 A little bit too far out, got to get closer.
16:58 But simple jab from McCann, he's doing the business here at the moment.
17:03 Just keeping his opponent off balance
17:06 and making him launch from far out.
17:09 And when he launches, my goodness, does he launch.
17:12 And occasionally he gets home with a shot.
17:15 Like that.
17:16 Baluta trying to show that he's the strong man in there,
17:27 that he's the power puncher.
17:29 McCann trying to show he's the boxer.
17:31 Yeah, he's putting everything into every shot, is Baluta.
17:34 But we know he's durable and he's capable of throwing these types of punches
17:38 right towards the end of a contest, a ten-rounder,
17:41 even in a 12-round fight.
17:43 And as we say, missing punches takes it out to the fighter
17:47 as well as actually throwing them to land.
17:49 Yeah, absolutely.
17:51 He's throwing everything into these shots
17:53 to try and close that gap and land that big shot on Dennis McCann.
17:57 Oh, good left hand from Baluta.
18:00 Caught by a counter as well,
18:02 but the power shot came from the Romanian.
18:04 McCann showing he's got a good chin again.
18:11 Another huge swing from Baluta this time,
18:25 absolutely through thin air.
18:28 Marcus McDonald's earning his money.
18:30 Absolutely, John.
18:33 All about concentration.
18:39 The new guy's working here for Dennis McCann,
18:42 but Baluta getting desperate, coming forward,
18:45 looking for these big punches.
18:47 And when they do land, they look so impressive.
18:50 As we move into the last ten seconds of the fifth round,
18:53 McCann with his gloves low, inviting Baluta in.
18:57 Tries to deliver with a big right hand.
19:00 A couple of them do land, but that's the bell to end the fifth.
19:04 Another fascinating round.
19:06 Let's find out how Carl Frampton's seeing it.
19:08 Yeah, it's a really competitive fight,
19:10 and a good fight, a highly skilled fight.
19:12 Dennis McCann has had a short left here.
19:14 He's took a lot of shots.
19:16 He's shown he's got a good chin.
19:18 He's shown that if he's got a good chin,
19:20 he's got a good chance of winning.
19:22 He's shown that at times he's being sensible as well,
19:24 and he's not trying to just get a shot back once he's been nailed.
19:27 But Baluta is so unorthodox, he'd be a nightmare to box.
19:32 Normally it's Dennis McCann who's the nightmare to box.
19:34 He's facing an opponent who's a similar sort of style in him
19:38 in terms of how unorthodox he is.
19:40 This is a really, really good fight, and it's a close one for me.
19:44 Well, that's how Carl's got it.
19:47 Rich has also got it by a two-point margin.
19:50 Not quite the same way, but you've got McCann ahead.
19:54 Yeah, I've got McCann ahead slightly.
19:56 Like Carl says, they're close, close rounds,
19:59 and it could be the other way.
20:01 So halfway point of the fight.
20:04 McCann, we think, on our cards, is just ahead.
20:09 Baluta's so dangerous, though.
20:13 He'll keep swinging right the way to the final bell
20:17 if it goes as far as that.
20:19 That's better again from McCann.
20:23 The more dangerous lurk is from Baluta if he connects
20:27 with those straight shots.
20:28 That's nice, clever boxing there from McCann.
20:31 These two have had many, many rounds sparring together.
20:35 Now, though, so real.
20:37 Good shot from Baluta.
20:40 McCann missed with that left-hand counter,
20:44 but gets in with that right uppercut.
20:46 That was a good left hand.
20:48 That was a super shot from Denis McCann, lead uppercut.
20:51 Don't see many of them that hit the target.
20:53 That was a well-timed punch.
20:55 Nice little chopping right hand from McCann.
21:06 Such an unorthodox talent, McCann.
21:14 I'm sure that all the great featherweights
21:18 that we've had over the years will be watching tonight.
21:21 Up to now, this is a quieter round for Baluta,
21:25 but you've got to give credit to Denis McCann.
21:27 He's been up here with his work here.
21:29 Baluta's still dangerous, look, with shots like that
21:31 that's missing the target, but if they connect...
21:34 But he's just been kept quiet in this round.
21:36 McCann's boxed well at range here.
21:38 Yeah, good boxing.
21:39 And when he misses, he makes him pain like that.
21:44 And McCann cannot afford to get cocky here,
21:48 dropping his hands, because that is a high-risk policy
21:51 and will invite Baluta in.
21:53 Partially blocked that left hand from Baluta.
22:11 Baluta again tries to wind up from way, way back
22:14 with that left hand.
22:16 Yeah, that looping sort of left hook that he throws
22:19 far out and just hones in on the target.
22:23 Dangerous shot indeed.
22:25 Lovely shot again from McCann.
22:31 That right uppercut has served him so well.
22:35 No knockdown, says the ref.
22:37 Baluta trying to make a big finish to this round
22:47 to catch the judges' eyes.
22:49 Right hand, though, there, came from McCann.
22:53 McCann can't afford to punch and hold the feet
22:56 and fall in.
22:58 It's him that's got to be careful.
23:00 He can't afford to punch and hold the feet and fall in.
23:03 It's him, Baluta, there, to take advantage
23:05 of a couple of good left hooks.
23:07 Good round again.
23:09 Welcome back to York Hall.
23:15 We're getting to the real business end of this ten-rounder.
23:19 Denis McCann against Yonat Baluta.
23:21 McCann, the biggest test of his career to date
23:24 on an hour card.
23:26 He is ahead, but four rounds to go.
23:29 It can still change.
23:31 Swinging left hands again from Baluta.
23:49 Starting the round fast.
23:51 This is where McCann has got to stay disciplined here, John.
23:57 He's got to work.
23:59 A sneaky little right hand as Baluta tries to attack
24:02 from too far out.
24:04 As a reply there from Baluta.
24:06 A couple of good jabs.
24:08 That gets the roar of acclaim from his corner man.
24:11 Another good right hand from Baluta.
24:18 Silenced the McCann fans a little.
24:26 Better from McCann.
24:28 Nice little combination.
24:30 I'm sure afterwards, after the fight, they'll say
24:47 if McCann comes through it, this was an educated,
24:50 calculated gamble, which has propelled him to a higher level.
24:54 If it goes badly wrong, then people are going to say
24:57 "Well, why on earth did you take that?"
25:00 It's a big test for him, no question.
25:03 It's a very dangerous opponent indeed.
25:06 Dennis McCann just showing solitude, just tiring slightly.
25:10 Oh, is there a bad head clash here?
25:13 Is there a cut?
25:15 There's blood coming from Dennis McCann's face.
25:18 Yeah, there's a clash of heads there, John.
25:23 Let's have a look at this. We can't see it from there.
25:26 Referee is satisfied and he says "Carry on".
25:30 He's not called the doctor that Baluta now will really go looking for him.
25:35 He's throwing everything at McCann.
25:40 Big right hand there. That's got him in trouble.
25:43 And Baluta is putting McCann into dangerous territory.
25:47 And look at the blood, a mask of blood across the face of Baluta.
25:51 Across the face of McCann.
25:54 That has just changed everything, hasn't it?
25:58 The way Baluta, the body language of both boxers.
26:00 McCann on his back foot now, trying to keep the gap between himself and Baluta.
26:05 He's pouring forward.
26:07 And he's in dangerous territory here.
26:09 45 seconds to go to the end of the round.
26:12 And it's turning into a huge round for Baluta.
26:15 We'll take a look between rounds and try and show you how the damage came exactly.
26:25 Baluta needs more big punches.
26:30 McCann trying to rally.
26:33 Good round for the Romanian.
26:38 Yes, a cracking round for Baluta.
26:41 When he knew he could, he really poured on the pressure.
26:46 Well, we've said again and again how dangerous Baluta will be right the way through the fight.
26:52 And he has proved it in that round.
26:55 And McCann's face is a mess.
27:00 It's still there.
27:03 Referee telling us it was a clash of heads that caused the damage.
27:15 And was this where it happened?
27:19 This could have happened here, couldn't it?
27:20 So there's the clash.
27:22 That's where we think the cut has come from.
27:24 Yes, straight away, look.
27:26 You can see the blood come down.
27:27 He knows it as well. He felt it.
27:30 And that seemed to spur Baluta on, didn't it?
27:33 Just an accidental clash.
27:34 Rich, it looks horrific and the blood's terrible.
27:37 But because it's a long way away from the eyes, that ain't going to stop the fight, I don't think.
27:42 Well, there's a possibility it could.
27:44 Because if they can't stop the blood running into the eye, then the referee will have no choice.
27:49 Because it's impairing the vision of the boxer.
27:51 So they've got to keep their eye on it.
27:53 And what they've got to do is try and stop the flow of blood.
27:56 And look at the blood already trickling down across the face of Denis McCann.
28:01 As we move into round eight.
28:04 And a reminder, let me underline that.
28:06 An accidental clash of heads.
28:09 Not caused by a punch.
28:12 Heads going very, very close again.
28:19 Good body shot there from McCann.
28:23 Baluta again, still he senses victory here, Baluta.
28:26 We know he has a tremendous engine, comes really strong in a fight.
28:32 He is one dangerous man and he's caught.
28:37 No knockdown, says the ref.
28:40 Well, I tell you what, we'll have to see that again at the end of the round.
28:43 Because it looked to me as though it was a counterpunch that caused that.
28:47 But Baluta's straight back up and showing that there's no damage.
28:51 Yeah, we'll have to see it again, John.
28:53 Because there was a nice lead right up the cut from Denis McCann.
28:56 Referee's closest.
28:58 Yeah, he said he's ruled it wasn't a knockdown.
29:01 But that's given Denis McCann a little bit of confidence also now.
29:06 But already with more than half the round to go.
29:12 There is blood all over the place and the gun shield has come out, has it?
29:16 No, it's not.
29:17 Something was thrown into the ring, John, I think.
29:20 No, we don't need any of that.
29:22 Baluta just waiting for McCann to commit himself
29:38 and then trying to throw those huge hooks again.
29:41 That was good boxing there from McCann.
29:44 What we call counterattacking.
29:45 Just beating his opponent to the punch.
29:47 Stepping forward with a straight shot.
29:50 As Baluta again launches from too far out.
29:54 But if they connect, they're dangerous shots.
29:57 Oh, good shot from Baluta.
30:02 Big left hand.
30:03 And looking for a repeat.
30:05 That really stopped McCann in his tracks.
30:08 And he's a grabby arm holding on.
30:11 Massive shot from Baluta.
30:14 And he's going to go for it now.
30:16 He knows he's hurt Denis McCann.
30:18 Great chin though.
30:19 That was perhaps the best punch that Baluta's thrown in the fight.
30:24 The weight of that seemed to go all the way down to the heel of his boots.
30:35 And that's no knockdown.
30:37 Again, the referee says no.
30:39 It was a push.
30:41 [BALLOONS BELLOWING]
30:43 Real big test for McCann now, John.
30:55 This is his stamina.
30:56 We know what Baluta's like.
30:57 He's been in this situation before.
30:59 Well, we know that he can be beaten, Baluta.
31:04 Liam Davis has done it.
31:05 And he's watching with JD.
31:07 [CROWD CHANTING]
31:09 Wow.
31:16 I mean, it's living up to the bill as a main event right now.
31:18 But Liam Davis, you understand what it's like to be under these lights.
31:21 How are you scoring it right now?
31:22 Very close.
31:23 It's how you want to score it with a nice boxing.
31:27 I think Baluta's landing the bigger shots,
31:29 which are what are going to catch the judges' eyes.
31:32 And I think it all depends on these last couple of rounds.
31:36 Who wants it more, and who's going to dig in and take the winner home tonight.
31:40 So do you have it even right now as we're going into the last couple of rounds?
31:43 Yeah, 4-4 for me.
31:45 Oh, right now he's got it 4-4.
31:47 We're going to work out right now who is going to be crowned under these bright lights
31:50 and your co-champion tonight.
31:52 Well, we'll see.
31:53 We've got maybe Dennis McCann still just edging it.
31:56 But Baluta has come on strong.
31:58 [BALLOONS BELLOWING]
31:59 And that was a massive punch he caught McCann within the last round.
32:02 Yeah.
32:04 Apparently he's catching Dennis McCann with the eye-catching work.
32:07 Eye-catching punches.
32:11 And as I've said before, John Baluta has been here time and time again.
32:20 So this is the test now for Dennis McCann.
32:23 Well, on our card, if Baluta wins the last two rounds,
32:27 and Carl Frampton on his card, he'd agree,
32:30 if Baluta takes the last two, he wins.
32:33 It's very, very close, isn't it?
32:35 Oh, it looks even worse now.
32:39 That cut is horrific.
32:40 Is there a second cut now, John?
32:42 Dear, oh dear, oh dear.
32:46 Now, how did the second cut come, if indeed there is one?
32:50 And the blood is pumping out of that gash.
32:54 And the referee said it's finished.
32:56 Baluta's celebrated as though he's won it.
32:59 And Marcus McDonnell says, "No, that's not the case."
33:04 It's been caused by an accidental clash of heads.
33:07 And therefore, therefore it goes to the cards.
33:11 Team Baluta is protesting.
33:14 They think they've won, but that, Richie, I don't believe that's the case.
33:18 Well, you're right, Dan, the way the referee sort of shook his head to Baluta.
33:23 If it's an accidental clash of heads, it'll go to the scorecards.
33:28 Well, whatever happens...
33:30 But he could be a head, John, when these rounds have been close.
33:33 Extraordinary controversy here.
33:35 Because whatever happens, there are going to be protests from both sides.
33:42 And there is going to be, I think, the suggestion that there has to be a rematch.
33:47 Oh, without a shadow of a doubt, there'll be a rematch.
33:50 Once these cuts or that cut there has recovered.
33:54 Let's have a look.
33:56 The blood seems to be gushing out of that cut now.
34:00 And like I said, if it's impairing the vision of the boxer, he's got to stop it.
34:09 But he was winning that round as well, Baluta.
34:11 Baluta was winning the round, yeah, and that's why they're so frustrated in that corner.
34:15 The referee's got no option here. Look at the blood all over his face.
34:20 That last round, so important.
34:24 McCann unquestionably was unravelling before that.
34:28 Yeah, and Baluta...
34:29 There have been a couple of big rounds for Baluta.
34:31 Yeah, and Baluta was coming on strong, wasn't he?
34:33 He was winning that round there.
34:35 And they score the incredible win.
34:39 And Baluta's got to be the one to go.
34:41 He's got to be the one to go.
34:42 He's got to be the one to go.
34:43 He's got to be the one to go.
34:44 He's got to be the one to go.
34:45 He's got to be the one to go.
34:46 He's got to be the one to go.
34:47 And they score the incomplete round.
34:50 Right.
34:51 So, on our card, if that's gone to Baluta, and surely it has to,
34:56 then on our card it would be level.
34:59 It is so, so much on a knife edge, this.
35:06 Yeah, it's...
35:08 It is, John, it's very, very close.
35:11 Liam... Sorry, Liam Davis said about the eye-catching work was from Baluta,
35:16 and that might just swing it his way.
35:18 But Denis McCann was doing some good work also.
35:21 So it's how you see these rounds.
35:23 They are very close indeed.
35:25 Well, it's one of those.
35:30 Already, I think people will be saying, "When's the rematch?
35:33 "How do I get a ticket?"
35:35 Still waiting for those cards to be tallied.
35:45 They don't want any mistake here.
35:48 WBO supervisor watching on closely.
35:52 Baluta, Baluta are the champs behind me from the Romanian contingent.
35:58 And true to Baluta's word,
36:05 Kane stronger than Denis in the second half of the fight.
36:08 Always dangerous right from the opening bell.
36:10 Well, we said that right from the beginning, didn't we?
36:12 Yeah, but his shots were probably...
36:15 Denis McCann was quicker at the start of the contest,
36:18 could see these shots coming.
36:20 But as the contest has worn on, Baluta's starting to connect more,
36:23 get closer, always dangerous with either hand.
36:27 It looks horrible, doesn't it?
36:29 But actually the fight wasn't a particularly dirty fight.
36:32 It was the clash of styles that caused the head clashes.
36:36 There's always a problem with, as I say,
36:38 the front feet between an orthodox and a southpaw boxer.
36:41 There's always head clashes when they're launching in and missing the target
36:44 and then following through.
36:46 It just happens.
36:47 It wasn't intentional, it was accidental.
36:49 It wasn't a dirty fight, as you said, John.
36:52 But there were several clashes there.
36:55 And still, still we wait for the cards to be tallied.
37:00 But now the all-important piece of paper
37:03 has been placed in our Master of Ceremonies' hands.
37:07 And Dev Sarni is making his way up towards the ring.
37:12 We reckon McCann was ahead, but then Baluta came on strong,
37:17 winning maybe three rounds on the spin,
37:21 as McCann was disorientated and badly affected
37:24 by that horrific cut to his forehead.
37:27 And now the fighters are being drawn into the ring.
37:31 The officials are coming in with the belts as well.
37:34 And Dev is there, results in hand,
37:38 and the whole stadium awaits, the whole arena awaits.
37:42 And now Dev can tell us.
37:44 Ladies and gentlemen, after an accidental head clash,
37:52 after nine rounds of boxing, we go to the judges' scorecards.
37:56 Bob Williams scores the contest 86-85.
38:03 For Dennis McCann.
38:05 Antonia Marroña scores the contest 86-86, even.
38:15 And Salvador Salva scores the contest 86-86, a majority draw.
38:30 Well, a majority draw, and a few boos from the fans
38:35 who don't really understand, I don't think.
38:37 That's principally from the Romanian contingent,
38:41 who thought that he was coming on so strong.
38:43 But I don't think they can have too many boos.