Marco Huck (37-2, 26 KOs) retained his WBO cruiserweight title with an emphatic six round stoppage of durable Firat Arslan (33-6-2, 21 KOs) at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle, Stuttgart, Germany.
The time was 1:56 of round six.
Huck was declared the winner of their first battle over a year ago, but many disagreed with the decision. Arslan taunted Huck for a rematch, calling himself the uncrowned champion.
Huck began the fight by jabbing and using angles. Arslan, a southpaw, worked off his front foot. His bodywork was consistent. Huck landed a couple of right hands to keep Arslan honest.
In rounds two and three, Huck used a double hook to the body and head. Arslan, with his hands high, found Huck with uppercuts. Huck landed a three punch combination, but was nailed by a chopping right hand. Arslan walked after Huck like a man possessed. The crowd roared with every punch he landed. The 43-year-old challenger backed Huck into the ropes and banged home shots to the body.
In rounds four and five, Huck, 29, returned fire to the body. Arslan took the punches and landed his own right hand to the chin. Huck drove Arslan back with a variety of punches. Arslan fought back with sweeping hooks. Huck connected with a double hook. His slight movement was keeping Arslan from sitting down on his punches.
In round six, Huck landed a long right that staggered Arslan. He jumped on his stricken foe and unloaded hooks. Arslan crumpled to the canvas. He pulled himself up, but was his reprieve was brief. Huck was determined to close the show. A hook dropped Arslan on the seat of his pants. Arslan beat the count, but was shaky. The relentless Huck unleashed a barrage of punches. The last one, a right knocked Arslan to the side of the ropes. Referee Mark Nelson jumped in to save Arslan from any further punishment.
