Sergey Lipinets and Custio Clayton had hoped to earn a welterweight title shot Saturday in Uncasville, Conn. Instead, they solved nothing in an interesting, but inclusive fight.
Lipinets and Clayton fought to a majority draw in what was billed as an IBF “interim” title fight meant to establish a mandatory challenger for the belt currently held by Errol Spence Jr., who defends against Danny Garcia on Dec. 5.
The fight was a contrast in styles. The plodding Lipinets (16-1-1, 12 KOs) stalked Clayton (18-0-1, 12 KOs) from beginning to end, pounding his body whenever he was able to get close enough to him and never taking a backward step.
Clayton, a slick 2012 Olympian, fought behind a busy jab and landed more than enough power shots to stop Lipinets in his tracks at times. And the Canadian’s quick feet and quick thinking made it difficult for Lipinets to cut off the ring with any consistency.
The judges must’ve been asking themselves: Do we give Lipinets credit for his aggression and consistent body work? Or do we give Clayton the nod because of his sharp jab and eye-catching shots to the head?
In the end, they gave both fighters enough credit to land on a draw. Don Trella scored it 115-113 for Clayton, as did Boxing Junkie. Glenn Feldman and Tom Schreck both had it 114-114.
“I thought I won the fight, but Clayton is a good fighter,” Lipinets said. “He was stronger than I thought he’d be. I haven’t fought in a year and it shows. I need to get my rhythm back in a couple of fights before I face the top level fighters.”
Said Clayton: “At the end of the day, you can’t knock the judges’ decision, but I thought that I landed the cleaner shots and won. He came forward a lot, but he wasn’t landing as much.
“I probably could have pushed more a little earlier, but at the same time, I knew he was strong. I thought I stayed patient and poised. I could have put combinations together quicker, but overall I thought I fought a smart fight and pulled it off.”
It’s no surprise that neither fighter was satisfied with the decision. Again, they hoped to take a significant step in their careers and thought they did. At the same time, neither lost ground.
Lipinets, a former 140-pound titleholder, maintained his position as a legitimate 147-pound contender. He’ll get another opportunity against an elite opponent.
Clayton probably accomplished a little more. He had never fought anyone of Lipinets’ stature even though he’s a 33-year-old contender. He left no doubt on Friday that he can compete at the elite level. He too will be heard from again.
Maybe they’ll just have to do it again.
“I showed the world that I’m not just a guy from Canada,” Clayton said. “I proved I’m a good fighter. People will have to respect me a little bit more. If Lipinets wants the rematch for the interim title, we should be able to make that happen.”
“For the interim title, I’ll be ready for a rematch with Clayton.”