The GLORY 68 SuperFight Series in South Florida hosted a middleweight collision between Matt Baker (24-7, 1 NC, 12 KO’s) and Chile’s Ivan Galaz (58-10-1, 15 KO’s).
After a brief feeling-out process to gauge range, Galaz dropped Baker inside the fight’s opening minute.Â
Baker looked stunned, more so than hurt. He gathered his wits during the count and the fight continued. Baker fired a long jab, but Galaz continued with a slick right hand through the American’s guard. An overhand right from Galaz was blocked by Baker late in the round.
Baker’s height and reach were a factor early in round two. He peppered his jab and low kicks to keep Galaz at range.Â
Baker caught the Chilean fighter with an uppercut and followed with a knee, but Galaz took it well. The increased output from Baker appeared to frustrate Galaz. A head kick from the towering Baker was blocked at the last moment by Galaz.
A heavy low kick from Baker greeted Galaz to open the third frame. A body kick found Galaz’s midsection as Baker continued to dictate the range of the fight. The pace of Galaz slowed and Baker was relentless with his output.Â
Galaz frequently tried to clinch to slow the action. Baker fired until the bell, sending the fight to a fourth and deciding round.
The extra round featured both fighters turning up the pace. Galaz just missed with an axe kick attempt as Baker continued to attack with low kicks. A knee from Baker backed up Galaz and prompted him to clinch.Â
Baker ripped the body from boxing range. Galaz fired a cartwheel kick, but Baker stepped out of the way. Baker scored with a head kick with a minute left in the fight, but Galaz remained upright. Baker threw combination after combination until the final horn.
When the fourth round was in the books, all three judges saw it the same way, scoring the fight in favor of Baker.
Matt Baker def. Ivan Galaz by extra round unanimous decision (10-9, 10-9, 10-9)
