Peña’s Spectacular Triumph: New IBO Continental Champion with 5th-Round Knockout

The Bern Boxing Day 2023 once again lived up to its reputation as one of Switzerland’s premier boxing events. In front of a sold-out Kursaal Arena, the fighters of Swiss Pro Boxing delivered high-level performances – but it was Angelo Peña who stole the show, capturing the IBO Continental Title in spectacular fashion with a fifth-round knockout.

On the 50th anniversary of one of the greatest moments in Swiss boxing history, Peña ignited the crowd with a dominant performance, sealing victory just 35 seconds into Round 5 with a devastating knockout that brought the arena to its feet.

In 1973, Swiss boxing legend Fritz Chervet made history by winning the European Flyweight Championship. Five decades later – and five weight classes higher – Angelo Peña has become the new beacon of hope for Swiss boxing fans.

In his eighth professional bout, Peña delivered the best performance of his career, improving his record to 8 wins (6 by knockout). Facing seasoned Frenchman Sofiane Takoucht – who came to Bern boasting 37 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw – Peña took control from the opening bell and never looked back.

He won every round with a versatile, composed style, constantly pressuring his experienced opponent, a two-time European Champion who had fought for a world title just four years earlier. In Round 5, Peña landed a perfect liver shot that sent Takoucht to the canvas, unable to beat the count. Referee Fabian Guggenheim waved off the fight – knockout victory for Angelo Peña. This was a statement win: only world champion Josh Warrington and world-ranked Michael Conlan had ever previously stopped Takoucht inside the distance.

“I’m proud that we achieved this incredible result – especially knowing how much Angelo and our team invested in this title fight,” said organizer Leander Strupler, expressing his satisfaction after the event. Commentator Stefan Angehrn, who covered the bout live for BlueSport, added: “The result is impressive, but the way Peña controlled his experienced opponent shows there’s much more to come. His future looks very bright.”

Other Professional Bouts

• Alfred Kqira lost a hard-fought eight-round battle on points against the unbeaten Lukas Dekys.
• Chris Mouafo stopped heavy-hitting Venezuelan Yoni Blanco in Round 2 (1:50) with a powerful knockout, marking himself as one to watch in 2024.
• Gabriela Timar defended her IBO Intercontinental Flyweight Title successfully, defeating Pimchanoke Thepjandaof Thailand by unanimous decision (scores: 100–90, 100–90, 99–91).
• Laura Wollenmann, trained by Alain Chervet, overcame a tough start against Clothilde Del Ben of France to win by split decision (2–1) and retain her WBO International Flyweight Title.
   

The next Swiss Pro Boxing event will take place on Good Friday, March 29, 2024, once again at the Bern Theatre – where “Boxen statt Theater” continues the tradition of combining culture and combat sport in an unforgettable live experience.