Clash of heads steals thunder from returning Alycia Baumgardner

Junior lightweight undisputed champion Alycia Baumgardner’s return to the ring ended in a disappointing no-contest after a head clash in the fourth round of her bout against Delfine Persoon at Lux Studio in Atlanta.

Baumgardner (15-1, 7 KOs), from Detroit, had been dominant until the accidental collision, which occurred before the conclusion of the fourth round and resulted in the lack of an official decision.

With a new lead trainer, Ramon Matthews Jr., in her corner, Baumgardner, 30, looked sharp from the outset. She kept Belgium’s 39-year-old Persoon (49-3, 19 KOs) at bay with her jab in the first round and scored a knockdown with a left hook that caused Persoon’s glove to touch the canvas.

Baumgardner continued her aggressive pace in the second round, pinning Persoon on the ropes and landing flurries, including a right hand that visibly rocked her opponent. Despite Persoon’s trademark pressure in the third round, Baumgardner’s power and timing limited Persoon’s output, making it clear that Baumgardner was in control.

The fourth round saw Baumgardner land more clean right hands and showcased her superior speed and sharpness. However, the decisive clash of heads occurred after Baumgardner threw a right hand and Persoon tried to counter. The resulting cut on Persoon’s face led the ringside physician to stop the fight, ruling Persoon unable to continue.

The bout was Baumgardner’s first after a year-long absence following a positive test for a banned substance in July 2023. Baumgardner denied any wrongdoing, and after an investigation, the WBC cleared her of intentional ingestion. The Association of Boxing Commissions lifted Baumgardner’s suspension in March 2024, allowing her return to the ring.

Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.