Oleksandr Hrytsiv claims WBC Francophone title in dominant win over Raad Rashid

On March 29, 2025, a title fight in the bridgerweight division took place in Lviv, where Ukraine’s Oleksandr Hrytsiv (10–0, 6 KOs) faced Germany’s Raad Rashid (23–10, 19 KOs). The WBC Francophone belt was on the line — and after 10 rounds, it rightfully went to the Ukrainian.

Hrytsiv took control early on. He worked effectively behind the jab, kept his distance, and gradually broke down his opponent’s defense. Rashid tried to respond, but round by round, Hrytsiv’s tempo increased. By the middle of the fight, it became clear that the Ukrainian was dictating the pace — sharper, faster, and reading the ring well.

Though Hrytsiv came close to stopping Rashid in some moments, the German veteran endured to the final bell. However, the judges’ decision was unanimous: 100–90, 100–90, 100–89 in favor of the Ukrainian.

This victory marked the 10th of Hrytsiv’s professional career and brought him his first international WBC title. Since turning pro in 2020, he has remained undefeated.

His opponent, Raad Rashid, has been competing professionally since 2009. At the time of the fight, he held a record of 23 wins (19 by knockout) and 10 losses. Despite his age, Rashid remains in strong physical shape and continues to compete on the professional circuit.