Yassine El Maachi Wins PRIZEFIGHT Tournament
In an ugly clinch-fest, unheralded Yassine El Maachi (16-4, 5 KOs) wrestled his way to a three round majority decision over former WBC jr welterweight champion Junior Witter (39-5-2, 22 KOs) to win the £32,000 Prizefighter one-night, eight-man, welterweight elimination tournament from York Hall, London. Witter fell through the ropes in the last round. Scores were 29-29, 29-28, 29-28.
Semi-finals:
Former WBC jr welterweight champion Junior Witter (39-4-2, 22 KOs) topped former British welter champ Kevin McIntyre (29-8, 9 KOs). Witter dropped McIntyre with a body shot in round one and cruised to a decision victory.
Yassine El Maachi (15-4, 5 KOs) won a split decision over ex-IBO champ Colin Lynes (35-8, 12 KOs). Scores were 29-28, 29-28, for El Maachi, 30-28 for Lynes.
Quarter-finals:
Former WBC jr welterweight champion Junior Witter (38-4-2, 22 KOs) clinched and clowned his way to a unanimous decision over Nathan Graham (11-3, 5 KOs). Scores were 30-28, 30-28, 29-28.
Former British welter champ Kevin McIntyre (29-7, 9 KOs) outpointed previously unbeaten John Wayne Hibbert (7-1, 4 KOs) by scores of 29-28 on all cards.
Former IBO jr welterweight titleholder Colin Lynes (35-8, 12 KOs) shut out light-punching Bobby Gladman (7-1-1, 0 KOs) 30-27 on all cards.
In a grudge match, Yassine El Maachi (14-4, 5 KOs) outpointed journeyman Peter McDonagh (16-20, 2 KOs) by scores of 30-27, 29-28, 29-28. El Maachi and McDonagh had exchanged harsh words at Monday’s weigh-in.
All bouts are three-rounders.