Injury defeats Cesaire as Horn impresses in regional title win

JEFF Horn drew on all his considerable skill and resolve to overcome a determined challenge from Rivan Cesaire, as the crafty Cameroonian was forced to retire injured in the ninth round of a scheduled twelve, as Horn’s unbeaten record stayed safe for another night.

The opening two rounds suggested the fight could be one-sided, with Cesaire breaking from his more typically languid style in an attempt to mix it with Horn – only to be floored by a fierce and impressive jab from Horn. Returning to his stool after the conclusion of two rounds. Cesaire, 29, was already sporting bruising under both eyes. Horn, 26, who had previously never gone past six rounds, was ferocious with his onslaught to the body when he sensed there was a chance to end proceedings early.

With only three knockout wins in a 17-fight career, the challenger appeared to pose little danger to Horn but, as a surprise to many, he was prepared to take a few shots to land some of his own – and had tremendous success with is left-hook counter early – something which worked to great success in his last outing against Lenny Zappavigna.

By the midway point of the fight, the pair looked evenly matched, with each able to land combinations on each other successfully. Horn’s attack was fluid, as he landed his jab with ease, while Cesaire threw his sparingly but on the other hand was able to make Horn miss regularly with superb reflexes.

 
Horn (now 7-0-1, 6 KOs) looked remarkably composed as he passed the six round and creeped closely towards the championship distance, something that looked likely considering Cesaire (now 11-5-1, 3 KOs) had never been finished in his professional career.

As Horn grew in confidence, his slick and fluid movement began to confuse a retreating Cesaire, as the rounds ticked away and began to fall more easily in the Brisbane-based Horn’s favour. Falling further behind on the judges scorecards, an anxious Cesaire smothered some of Horn’s best work as Horn attempted to flood home with a seemingly clear lead on the scorecards.

From a neutral perspective, both Horn and Cesaire offered a terrific exhibition of pure boxing skill, showing that both in victory or defeat had plenty to offer on the domestic circuit and may perhaps be the number one and two contenders in a stacked welterweight division – then came the ending. Horn and Cesaire engaged in a flurry, before Cesaire retreated and fell to the canvas.

 
A mystified Horn turned to the neutral corner before referee Paul Tapley issued a ten-count to Cesaire, clearly agonised by what appeared to be a shoulder injury at first.

With the win, Horn appears to have now cleaned out the welterweight division domestically, with the only real challenge available appearing to be Lenny Zappavigna – who looks certain to campaign at light welterweight following a sluggish performance last time out.
 
With that said, Horn’s potential seems limitless as he possesses a tremendous pair of whiskers with a knockout punch to follow. Horn appears eager to debut in the US and going off his polished performance last night, that may soon be the only option.
 
 
Photo: Louie Abigail/Photography by Rockfingrz