Ryan Farrag defeats Quaise Khademi on points in London

Ryan Farrag moves up to #4 and Quaise Khademi drops to #5 in the Boxing News British rankings after their fight in York Hall. Our man, Eric Armit, watched the action.

RYAN Farrag won the vacant Commonwealth title via unanimous decision over Quaise Khademi. Khademi brought some classy skills, and Farrag brought plenty of aggression and experience at a higher level.  

Khademi boxed in the first but was the aggressor for much of the second. Farrag was back on the hunt in the third, scoring with rights inside and Khademi was under pressure throughout the fourth.

It was fast-paced, with Farrag’s work rate giving him the edge but Khademi put together some quick combinations when darting forward and displayed some fine defensive work. Really, there was not much between them, making it hard to score. 

The pressure from Farrag saw Khademi’s work become ragged, and Farrag landed some hurtful body punches. Khademi upped his work rate in the ninth and 10th, but a right rocked him at the end of the 10th. 

Khademi boxed and moved in the 11th to blunt Farrag’s attacks, but Farrag turned in a strong 12th to take the decision by scores of 115-113 (twice) and 117-112 all for Farrag. Former European bantamweight champion Farrag had been outpointed by Marcel Braithwaite for this same title in June last year. Afghan-born Londoner Khademi had lost on points against Jackson Chauke for the vacant IBO flyweight title in January. 

Records: Ryan Farrag, 23-5, 6 KOs and Quaise Khademi, 10-4-2, 4 KOs.