Yosif Panov had to work until the final bell for his world title. On 19 October 2023, The Viper beat Sandy Messaoud by unanimous decision after twelve closely contested rounds at MaxFight 56 in Arena Sofia, becoming UBO world welterweight champion.
The scores — 117–114, 116–114 and 115–113 — reflected a close fight. Years of work had brought Yosif to this opportunity. Claiming it meant winning the small battles, exchange by exchange and round by round.
Sandy Messaoud: an experienced test for The Viper
The mobile French southpaw brought considerable championship experience. In Minsk in 2020, he defeated unbeaten Nursultan Zhanabayev to win the WBA Inter-Continental, IBF Australasian and WBO Oriental belts. He added the WBC Francophone title in May 2022 by beating Nurali Erdogan in Clermont-Ferrand.
Messaoud knew how to win away from his hometown of Saint-Avé. He came to Sofia unbeaten in nine fights, with results that showed he could handle a hostile crowd and punish anyone who underestimated him.
The first UBO belt, six months earlier
Just six months earlier, Panov had won the UBO International title against Victoriano Santillan at Sofia Hall. A heavy left uppercut sent the Argentine to the canvas early on. Santillan got up and lasted the fight, but Yosif was clearly superior and took his first belt from the organisation.
Messaoud made Panov work far harder. Neither fighter could afford to ease off, and the outcome remained in doubt deep into the championship rounds.
McGregor at ringside
Panov met Messaoud’s pressure with enough effective work to earn the decision on all three cards after twelve competitive rounds. When the verdict was announced, Conor McGregor was among the first to enter the ring and congratulate him.
Even before the main event, Borislav Velev – Roy had lifted the arena with a first-round technical knockout of Pablo Mendoza. The Nicaraguan arrived with 13 wins, 12 inside the distance. Roy ended the bout so quickly that the anticipated danger became another demonstration of his punching power.
A championship year with international recognition
In its annual awards, UBO named Panov Fighter of the Year for 2023 and MaxFight 56 Event of the Year. The Messaoud bout itself also received an honourable mention in the Fight of the Year category. Two belts won, a major event and recognition for the quality of the contest — that was how The Viper’s strongest year to date ended.
The awards followed two very different victories: a commanding performance against Santillan and a close, hard-earned decision over Messaoud. Together, they showed Panov’s ability to handle contrasting championship tests.
Yosif Panov vs Sandy Messaoud · MaxFight 56
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