Mansour Decisions Kauffman in 12, Wins USBA and WBC USNBC Heavyweight Titles
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent-Ringside
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Reading, PA (March 18th, 2017)– Amir ‘Hardcore’ Mansour, age 44, picked up the biggest win of his career on Friday night, March 17, 2017, in the main event at Santander Arena in Reading, Pennsylvania. Mansour, 23-2-1 with 16 knockouts, Wilmington, Delaware, won a 12 round majority decision to win the vacant USBA and WBC USNBC heavyweight titles over Travis Kauffman, 31-2, 23 knockouts, Reading, Pennsylvania.
Kauffman switched off from the orthodox and southpaw stance and back, and landed some good power shots early. Both men boxed cautiously, and were careful not to punch themselves out. Mansour relied on superior footwork, and landing busy body shots. Mansour took command as the bout progressed, his best win to date, as Kauffman began to tire from the eighth round on. There were many clinches in the bout. Mansour got the best of Kauffman in the later rounds, with Kauffman taking it but unable to dish it as well with his hometown audience looking on. Kauffman had a good offense and defense, but he waited until round 12 to put it all on the table. By that point, the outcome had been decided on two scorecards, and Kauffman did not have the ability to take Mansour out.
Real Combat Media scored the bout 116-114 Mansour. Close bout, but enough was done by Mansour to deserve this clear win. As in the Chris Arreola bout, Kauffman did well early and then faded late, still unable to win the big one. At 44, Mansour could get a world title shot in 2017 against Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, Joseph Parker, or the winner of Fres Oquendo versus Shannon Briggs. Given his age, he better hurry.
TRAVIS KAUFFMAN
“I got robbed. It’s plain and simple. It was a good fight, but I thought I won by three rounds.
“He landed a couple of shots, but I clearly outworked him. I thought I landed more and did enough to get the win.”
AMIR MANSOUR
“They thought I was old and would tire down the stretch, but I am mentally strong.
“I give Travis (Kauffman) credit. He stood in there with me tonight. But as I waited for the scores, I knew I won the fight. These were honorable judges.
“I want (Deontay) Wilder next. I am 44-years-old. I want my shot. They should give me my shot and try to get me out of the way.”
Result: Amir Mansour Win Majority Decision 12 Travis Kauffman, Heavyweights
Mansour wins vacant USBA and WBC USNBC Heavyweight titles
Scoring: Mike Somma 115-113 Mansour. Tony Lundy 117-111 Mansour.
Steve Weisfeld 114-114 draw. Mansour appeared to win the last two rounds and the bout.
Referee: Shawn Clark
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