I expected KO win over Ashton Sylve, says Lucas Badhi

Lightweight Lucas Badhi emerged as a Cinderella story Saturday night, delivering a stunning knockout of Ashton Sylve in the sixth round to remain undefeated.

 Badhi’s right-hand left Sylve motionless at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

“I knew it was only a matter of time before I get him,” Badhi said in the post-fight press conference. “I knew he was going to be super tricky in the beginning, super fast, very good boxer, but I knew in the second half of the fight, his head was going to be in the middle, and I was going to catch him.”

Badhi (17-0, 15 KOs) of Ontario, Canada, may now attract significant attention as a free agent in boxing after defeating Sylve (11-1, 9 KOs) of Long Beach, California. Badhi, 30, who was ten years younger than Sylve, 20, reflected on his strategy during the fight, acknowledging he appeared to be losing rounds before landing the decisive blow.

“It was exactly what I thought I was going to do,” Badhi said. “I hope I made a lot more fans tonight.”

“I knew it was only a matter of time before I get him,” Badhi said in the post-fight press conference. “I knew he was going to be super tricky in the beginning, super fast, very good boxer, but I knew the second half of the fight his head was going to be in the middle and I was going to catch him.”

According to an official from Most Valuable Promotions, the bout was originally scheduled against Floyd Schofield, Sylve’s initial opponent, until Schofield withdrew due to injury. The fight, originally slated for the undercard of the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson event on July 20, was rescheduled for fall. Badhi, taking the fight on short notice, has now significantly altered his career trajectory in the division.

Badhi expressed ambitions for major fights in the future after derailing a highly touted prospect. Despite entering as an underdog, Badhi’s victory not only boosts his profile in the sport but also his world-ranking in sanctioning bodies.

The win extends Badhi’s undefeated streak to seventeen fights, marking his most significant victory to date. For Sylve, this loss is his first as a professional, following a unanimous decision win over Estivan Falcao in February at Caribe Royale Orlando, only his second fight of 2024.

“We are open to any opportunities that come our way,” Badhi said regarding his future plans in the sport.