Alycia Baumgardner Avenges Loss to Christina Linardatou in Unanimous Decision Win | FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS

In an high-spirited rematch, Alycia 'The Bomb' Baumgardner, the undisputed junior lightweight champion, delivered a masterful performance to avenge her lone career defeat against Christina Linardatou. The ten-round bout, which headlined a homecoming event for Baumgardner, took place on Saturday evening at the Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan, with Baumgardner emerging victorious in a dominant fashion, as reflected by the unanimous decision from judges Katealia Chambers (99-91), Fred Fluty (98-92), and Rose Gross (98-92).

Baumgardner's improved skills were evident right from the opening bell, as she showcased her refined technique and superior ring IQ. Linardatou, a confident Dominican fighter based in Athens, Greece, had previously defeated Baumgardner in a eight-round split decision back in July 2018, but the defending champion was determined to prove that she had evolved significantly since their first encounter.

After a sensational, dance fueled ring walk with Detroit rapper Sada Baby, Baumgardner wasted no time in asserting her dominance, utilizing her jab effectively to set up powerful shots. Linardatou, unable to mount a significant offense, found herself on the receiving end of Baumgardner's precise combinations. Despite displaying resilience, Linardatou struggled to find answers to Baumgardner's relentless assault.

As the fight progressed, Baumgardner's punch output slowed, allowing Linardatou to find her rhythm in the second round. However, Baumgardner quickly regained control in the fourth round, punishing Linardatou for her aggression with well-placed shots. Tempers flared at the bell, resulting in a warning from referee Frank Garza after Linardatou and Baumgardner threw a late punches that missed.

Throughout the match, Baumgardner showcased her versatility, switching stances and delivering impressive uppercuts and footwork. Linardatou, determined to rally back, landed a few significant punches of her own, but Baumgardner's defensive skills proved effective in nullifying her opponent's offense.

In the eighth round, Baumgardner appeared close to securing a stoppage victory, as she unleashed a barrage of punches, targeting Linardatou's body. However, the resilient challenger refused to go down, displaying remarkable toughness and heart.

In the final round, with victory assured on the scorecards, Linardatou launched a desperate assault. Baumgardner wisely defended herself, evading most of the incoming shots and responding with calculated combinations of her own. The bell signaled the end of the fight, with Baumgardner having decisively avenged her previous loss.

The defeat marked a setback for Linardatou's aspirations of becoming a two-division titlist, as her record fell to 14-3 (6KOs). The loss was her first since a ten-round decision defeat to undisputed lightweight queen Katie Taylor in November 2019, which ended her first WBO title reign. Linardatou regained the vacant belt three months later but was later forced to vacate it due to pregnancy.

On the other hand, Baumgardner improved her record to an impressive 15-1 (7KOs). This victory represented her ninth consecutive win since the initial narrow defeat to Linardatou and marked her fourth successful defense of a junior lightweight title.

Alycia Baumgardner's dominant unanimous decision win over Christina Linardatou showcased her growth and resilience as a fighter. With a refined skill set, tactical prowess, and unwavering determination, Baumgardner avenged her previous loss in spectacular fashion. This victory solidifies her position as the undisputed junior lightweight champion and sets the stage for even more exciting challenges in her promising boxing career.