Alyicia Baumgardner joined the club of undisputed modern-day champions after her unanimous decision win over Elhem Mekhaled on Saturday night. The vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight title was on the line during the bout at Madison Square Garden in New York City, and the American took the crown.
The 28-year-old fighter got scorecards of 99-89, 99-89 and 98-90 after a dominant performance that confirmed her as the best fighter in the 130-pound class.
Baumgardner had a blistering third round and knocked the Frenchwoman down twice. The referee was watching the action closely with the intention of stopping her but Mekhaled managed to hold on past the bell of that round.
However, the rest of the bout continued with the dominance of the local fighter, who won with ease and joined Katie Taylor, Franchon Crews-Dezurn, Claressa Shields and Amanda Serrano as current undisputed champions.
It was the 14th career win for Baumgardner, who has 1 loss and 7 knockouts. Mekhaled left his record at 15 wins, 2 losses and 3 KOs.