Bilal Fawaz Inflicts First Defeat Upon Junaid Bostan in Thrilling Rematch

Bilal Fawaz defeated Junaid Bostan for the first time in his professional career, winning by majority decision over ten rounds to win the English junior middleweight title.  The fight was a dramatic rematch of their January fight, and many observers were convinced that Fawaz had done enough to win.

Background: A Rivalry Renewed

Fawaz and Bostan’s first meeting earlier this year resulted in a split-decision draw, leaving both fighters and fans wanting more.  Fawaz felt wronged by the outcome and made it clear that he would seek a rematch. 

From then until now, both camps worked tirelessly.  Bostan, an undefeated prospect (10-0-1 prior to this fight) with 8 knockouts, aimed to assert his dominance in a rematch.  Fawaz, on the other hand, sought redemption and evidence that the first fight was not the whole picture. 

The buildup was tense.  Fawaz publicly questioned the judges who scored the first fight and threatened to force Bostan to fight in every round.  “His castle is about to crumble,” he declared ahead of the rematch.

Fight Night: A Battle of Wills

The fight was intense from the start.  Bostan looked sharp early on, relying on his jab and moving confidently forward.  However, Fawaz responded in kind, charging forward with force, mixing his shots well, and refusing to be intimidated. 

 In the third round, Fawaz delivered a powerful right-hand that stunned Bostan, sending a clear message.  Bostan survived the round, and the fight remained competitive, with both men exchanging blows at close and mid-range.

Bostan had his moments in the later rounds, particularly in the fourth round, when he appeared to put pressure on Fawaz and potentially hurt him.  But Fawaz gathered himself and regained momentum, throwing combinations, countering sharply, and becoming more active in the second half of the fight. 

 By round ten, Fawaz appeared to be the fresher fighter.  Bostan, whose work rate appeared to be dwindling, attempted to dig deep, but his efforts became increasingly desperate.  The final seconds were tense, but the judges eventually gave Fawaz the nod.

The Decision & Its Significance

The judges’ scorecards read 96-95, 96-95, and 95-95, indicating that two saw Fawaz as the winner and one saw it as a draw.  That majority decision was enough to hand Bostan his first career loss while also delivering one of Fawaz’s most impressive wins. 

 Fawaz improves his record to 10-1-1 (3 KOs), while Bostan drops to 10-1-1 (8 KOs). 

 For Fawaz, this is redemption.  He openly felt that the first fight was unfairly judged, and now he has made a statement: he can deliver when it counts. 

 Bostan considers the defeat a serious setback.  At the age of 23, he must decide whether he can come back stronger, learn from this experience, and re-establish himself as one of Britain’s rising stars.

What Comes Next?

A trilogy is a very real possibility.  Bostan, no doubt, is motivated to avenge his loss.  Fawaz, ecstatic about his victory, may welcome another chance to definitively close the chapter. 

 Meanwhile, both men may seek higher stakes.  For Fawaz, this victory could pave the way for more significant domestic or regional titles.  For Bostan, it’s an opportunity to regroup, rebuild, and demonstrate that his breakout potential still has room to develop.

Final Thoughts

In a fight full of drama, heart, and tough boxing, Bilal Fawaz eventually won, handing Junaid Bostan his first professional defeat.  The victory demonstrates persistence, belief, and seizing the moment when it counts the most.

 As boxing fans, we may see a trilogy.  But no matter what happens next, tonight is Fawaz’s.  He dispelled doubts, silenced critics, and left his mark on this rivalry’s history.