WBA middleweight world champion Rob Brant made the first defense of his world title in his home region of Hinkley, Minnesota at the Grand Casino by defeating Khasan Baysangurov

Brant, who upset Ryota Murata last October was making his first defense of his middleweight title. Brant sent Baysangurov to the canvas in the fight, but found himself in a back and forth battle he was getting the better of, but getting hit in. In the eleventh round, Brant closed out his hometown showing with knockout.

Lightweight Mikaela Mayer went eight hard fought rounds with Yareli Larios of Mexico in a bout that Mayer was tested in. Mayer saw a sneaky hook of Larios give her problems early in the fight, but a high punch output mixed with a solid body attack forced Larios into a retreat as after round five it was all Mikaela Mayer. The bout could’ve been stopped in the eighth round in my opinion, but wasn’t.

The judges scored the bout 79-78-74 and 80-72 for Mayer. Mayer is now the NABF Female Super Featherweight Title.

Super bantamweight Joshua Greer Jr., who signed with Top Rank Inc. last year was tested by Giovanni Escaner in a harder than expected ten-round bout that started the ESPN portion of the telecast.

Greer Jr. was pushed Giovanni Escaner as early in the bout it was even as Greer loaded up on punches looking to land a right hand whereas Escaner came out throwing a lot of wild punches. The end of the third round saw Escaner send Greer Jr go to the canvas at the end of the round. Greer took over around the seventh round fighting on the inside and outworking Escaner. Greer Jr. picked up a knockout victory in the eighth round as the bodywork set the stage as a right hand under the arm stopped Escaner.

Greer has won his last seven fight by way of knockout

Undercard results

Middleweight Tyler Howard was given all he could handle winning a split decision over Christian Olivas in an eight-round bout, super middleweight Lennox Allen won a dominant ten-round decision win over Derrick Webster, Allen dopped Webster in the third round. Light heavyweight Steven Nelson also picked up a win on the undercard as well.

Lightweight Ismail Muwendo outpointed Colombian veteran Hevinson Herrera in an eight-round bout. Joe James opened the telecast wit ha win over Demetrius Wilson via decision in a four-round bout.