Dylan Biggs is the new WBC Middleweight Grand Prix champion after a unanimous decision victory over Derek Pomerleau in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The fight, part of a larger tournament series promoted by the World Boxing Council, saw an early knockdown and a strategic battle for control of the ring. Biggs’ win comes amidst a busy weekend for Canadian boxing, following Leila Beaudoin’s title challenge just one day prior, and marks a significant moment in both fighters’ careers.
Dylan Biggs of Australia defeated Derek Pomerleau of Quebec by unanimous decision Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to claim the WBC Middleweight Grand Prix title. The victory wasn’t without early drama, as Pomerleau suffered a flash knockdown in the opening seconds of the bout.
Judges scored the fight 79-72, 79-72, 79-72, 78-73, and 78-73 in favor of Biggs (18-1). Pomerleau, who had been on a remarkable run through the tournament, falls to 15-1.
The fight began with a stunning sequence as Biggs, facing his fifth consecutive southpaw opponent in the tournament, dropped Pomerleau with a double jab just moments after the opening bell. Video review, utilized by the WBC to ensure fair officiating, confirmed no foul play or accidental clash of feet caused the knockdown.
Despite the early setback, Pomerleau attempted to rally, but Biggs proved too strong and strategically sound. The Australian dictated the pace, utilizing a compact style that frustrated Pomerleau throughout the contest. Knowing he trailed on the scorecards – which were revealed after the third and sixth rounds – Pomerleau fought with urgency, choosing his moments to attack.
Biggs consistently thwarted any momentum Pomerleau gained. After a brief flurry from the Canadian in the third round, Biggs responded with a right hand and a combination that sent Pomerleau reeling into the ropes.
Pomerleau’s corner attempted to adjust the strategy after the fourth round, urging him to fight more inside, but Biggs consistently exploited the openings created by Pomerleau’s attacks with powerful and accurate shots.
A brief spark of hope emerged for Pomerleau in the fifth when he landed a sharp right uppercut. However, Biggs quickly adjusted, shifting his focus to Pomerleau’s body in the final two rounds, solidifying his control and ultimately securing the victory. The win earned Biggs a $100,000 prize.
“He’s a fierce competitor,” Biggs said of Pomerleau after the fight. “There’s no one who can replicate what he did tonight in training. He gave me a lot of trouble.”
Pomerleau had reached the final with a series of impressive performances, including a unanimous decision win, a come-from-behind stoppage victory, a quick stoppage, and a majority decision in the semi-final. Biggs, meanwhile, enjoyed a smoother path to the championship bout, a factor that may have contributed to his success. Kevin Cristopher Ramirez had previously been crowned champion in the heavyweight division, Brandon Mosqueda in the featherweight division, and Carlos Utrai in the super lightweight division.
The result marked a difficult night for Canadian boxing, coming less than 24 hours after Leila Beaudoin suffered a unanimous decision loss to unified super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner in Miami, Florida.
