Joe Fournier wins WBA International title

By Robert Coster

Joe Fournier, the multi-millionaire British businessman turned boxer, returned to ring action after a year of inactivity. Fournier traveled to the Dominican Republic to face veteran Wilmer Mejia for the WBA International light-heavyweight title. Fournier (9-0, 9 KOs) won the vacant belt scoring a second round KO over Mejia (22-10-3, 16 KOs).

The British boxer attacked his foe as soon as the bell rang but, in the first round, Mejia showed good movement and a jab that found its mark. In the second round, Fournier gave up the head-hunting and attacked the body. It was precisely a hook to the liver that sent Mejia to the canvas for the full count.After the fight, Fournier who is 34, reiterated his desire to face countryman Callum Smith. “I will buy him a jet plane or a house if he fights me!”

Other bouts on the card pitted foreign boxers against local fighters. Avril Matthie (Australia) TKO2 Amadelia Martinez (jr lightweight); Matteo Papa (Italy) W4 Alexis Santana (jr welterweight); Josh Lupia (Canada) TKO3 Giancarlo Rodriguez (jr welterweight).

Promoter: Domini Boxing (Jose Rafael Lantigua)
Venue: Casa de los Clubes, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic