Shabaz Masoud claimed the European junior featherweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Peter McGrail in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
It was a close battle for the vacant EBU title, with many of the rounds being hard to score, but Masoud’s cleaner work seemed to catch the judges’ eyes. The pair were well matched in the entertaining battle, with both men believing they had done enough at the final bell. McGrail set a frantic pace throughout the contest, especially early, but the judges did not reward him for his work. The scorecards read 116-111, 115-112, and 114-113, all in favour of Masoud. Although Masoud won, he seemed to fade in the championship rounds, and admitted that it may be time to move up in weight. Masoud took it upon himself to call-out WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball who was in attendance to support his stablemate McGrail.
“I’m struggling to make super bantamweight,” said Masoud, now 15-0 (4 KOs), post-fight. “I don’t mind moving up, anyone for a world title. I know Nick Ball is a champion at featherweight, so if he wants some, let's get it man. I’m in here to box world champions and tough guys. If I could box Inoue I’d box him for all the belts, he’s one of the pound-for-pound best. I respect him, but anyone is beatable.”
McGrail, 29, poured on the pressure from the opening bell, immediately pressing forwards and landing a flurry of shots on Masoud. The pace was intense, and Masoud, also 29, was struggling to deal with McGrail as the tricky southpaw came at him from all angles. Masoud just couldn’t find his range and McGrail took early rounds with relative ease. McGrail continued his dominance into the fourth, but Masoud started to land his jab and was growing in confidence. Masoud had his best round yet in the fifth, and was now countering McGrail with uppercuts as he came charging forwards.
Masoud really started to grow into the fight in the fifth round, using his sharp southpaw jab to keep McGrail at bay. McGrail was getting a little frustrated, and in the sixth he darted forwards to land but was caught by a well timed right hand by Masoud. McGrail responded well in the seventh, landing a looping left hand that wobbled Masoud and caused him to stagger. He followed it up later in the round with two left hands to push the fight back in his favour. Masoud had his best round of the fight in the ninth when he hurt McGrail with a left uppercut. McGrail backed off to the ropes but was certainly stunned. Masoud smartly focused his attacks downstairs and hurt McGrail badly to the body. It seemed as though McGrail was one punch from sinking to the canvas in pain, but he bravely fought on to the round’s close.
The 10th was close, but late in the session McGrail thumped Masoud twice in the back of the head during a clinch and was deducted a point. The deduction was rather harsh on McGrail, and heading into the championship rounds it seemed to be anyone’s fight. Masoud’s work rate dropped in the 11th and McGrail was able to push forwards and landing scrappy shots as Masoud tried to tie him up. McGrail was the dominant fighter again in the 12th as Masoud elected to tie up McGrail instead of pushing to secure the victory. The bell sounded and both men embraced. They both thought they had done enough to secure victory, and when Masoud was announced at the winner by unanimous decision, McGrail, who fell to 12-2 (6 KOs) with defeat, was respectful and took the loss with grace.
