On December 6th KO Boxing hosted a night of professional boxing at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta. The event showcased hometown fighter and six time world champion Jelena Mrdjenovich alongside a title fight for the Canadian super middleweight championship between Steve Franjic and Gary Kopas. Also featured on the card was the newest addition to the KO stable, Cam O’Connell.
The main event was a short one as Jelena Mrdjenovich took her opponent Wanda Peña Ozuna from the Dominican Republic out within 39 seconds of round number 1. The two fighters were supposed to meet earlier in the year but due to visa issues for Peña, Mrdjenovich had to fight a substitute opponent.
The co-main event was an all action fight between Steve Franjic and Gary Kopas. Kopas seemed to have control even though the rounds were close in the first three round which were give and take from both fighters (as was the whole fight) . Franjic took over the middle rounds as Kopas slowed down but Franjic just didn’t seem to come on as strong in the last three rounds. The scorecards read 97-93,96-94,100-90 in favor of Franjic making him the new Canadian super middleweight champion.
Cam O’Connell and Ryan McGrady was a showcase of what a war between two Irish warriors looks like. O’Connell had difficulties connecting in the first round of the fight but came on strong in the second round and even more so in the third when he stopped his opponent in the third round and secured the TKO victory.
Josh Wagner secured his second victory and the first stoppage of his pro career and moves to 2-0 after defeating Akira Morita from Tokyo, Japan.
Elvis Vukaj won his professional debut with a decision over Max Gagne. The scorecards read 40-37,39-37,39-37.
Taylor Bull made his triumphant comeback since suffering a devastating knockout to Paul MacKenzie last September when he defeated Marcus Hicks via third round TKO.
The opening bout featured Cody Reis who was making his professional debut against Dia Grant who has fought MMA in the past. Reis won via third round TKO.