Boxer of the Month – Nordine Oubaali

Nordine Oubaali is the WBC Boxer of the Month for February after winning the vacant bantamweight title.

Oubaali, 32, secured a unanimous decision over former world champion Rau’shee Warren at the MGM Grand in January.

After a close six rounds, Oubaali took control of the fight in the seventh when he staggered the American with a left-right combination as the pair traded blows.

“I made my dream come true, my American dream,” said two-time Olympian Oubaali after extending his record in his U.S. debut to 15 straight wins, 11 by knockout, since turning professional five years ago.

The French-born fighter of Moroccan descent had over 200 fights in the amateur ranks and defeated Warren by one point when the pair met at the 2012 London Olympics in the flyweight category.

Oubaali is set to face Takuma Inoue in his first defense after the undefeated Japanese boxer ended Petch Sor Chitpattana’s run of 48 straight wins to secure mandatory status.

Honorary Mention – Marcus Browne

Marcus Browne received the WBC’s Honorary Mention for February after defeating former two-weight world champion Badou Jack on the undercard in Las Vegas.

The American secured the biggest win of his career and picked up the WBC silver light heavyweight title after claiming a unanimous decision over a blood-soaked Jack.

Browne, 28, built up a lead on the judges scorecards before an accidental clash of heads in the seventh round opened up a one-inch gash in the middle of Jack’s forehead.

The Swede battled on bravely and finished the 12-rounder with blood pouring down his face but slipped to his second defeat in 27 contests.