Aqib Fiaz claimed a vital unanimous points victory over Alex Murphy in a hard-fought Lancashire lightweight derby staged at the Manchester Arena. The decision, rendered with scores of 97-93, 96-94, and 96-95, saw Fiaz successfully navigate a tricky challenge and inject new momentum into his career.
For Fiaz, whose record now stands at 15 wins and 1 defeat (with 2 KOs), this bout carried significant weight following a stoppage loss in 2023. A decisive performance was needed to prove he was back on track, and he delivered precisely that against a game opponent.
Alex Murphy, holding a pre-fight record of 13 wins against 2 losses, accepted this contest on remarkably short notice – just two weeks – stepping in to replace an injured Michael Gomez Jr. To his credit, the truncated preparation didn`t appear to significantly hinder his performance under the bright lights of the Manchester venue, though ring rust or conditioning might have played a subtle role in the later rounds.
The fight itself unfolded as a compelling tactical battle that evolved into a test of wills. Early rounds saw Murphy employ smart movement and a diligent jab, keeping Fiaz at bay and looking sharp. He used his distance well and landed the cleaner punches initially.
However, as the fight progressed, Fiaz demonstrated increased urgency and began to apply sustained pressure. He successfully closed the distance, working his way into the pocket to land meaningful hooks and combinations. Navigating Murphy`s reach advantage, Fiaz found his rhythm in the middle rounds, landing several eye-catching shots that started to swing the momentum in his favour.
Despite appearing to battle fatigue in the later stages, Murphy showed considerable heart and durability, continuing to exchange blows and maintain a high work rate. Yet, Fiaz’s consistent forward march and effective inside fighting in the second half of the bout ultimately proved decisive on the judges` scorecards.
The unanimous decision reflects the competitive nature of the contest while acknowledging Fiaz`s ability to impose his will and land the more impactful shots when it mattered most. The win is a crucial stepping stone for Fiaz, while Murphy earns respect for taking a tough fight on short notice and pushing his opponent the full distance.
