Dennis McCann vs. Ionut Baluta II: Live round-by-round updates

Dennis McCann and Ionut Baluta will meet for a rematch to determine the EBU European super bantamweight world champion.

In August 2023, McCann and Baluta were featured in a main event inside York Hall, with the vacant WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight strap on the line. McCann was a sizeable betting favorite heading into the matchup, but Baluta refused to back down in the entertaining contest.

The super bantamweights showcased an all-out war, with McCann suffering a gruesome cut due to an accidental clash of heads. The bout was stopped prematurely in round nine due to the cut and scored a technical decision draw.

Dennis McCann and Ionut Baluta have a score to settle after the controversial ending in 2023, leading to the co-main event preluding Joe Joyce vs. Derek Chisora. Baluta hasn't fought since their first fight, while McCann secured a unanimous decision win against Brad Strand in March.

Follow along with Sportskeeda for live updates of the vacant EBU European super bantamweight world title bout between Dennis McCann and Ionut Baulta.

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Dennis McCann vs. Ionut Baluta II

Round 1:

Dennis McCann vs. Ionut Baluta II is underway. McCann starts to the body and Baluta counters with a three-punch combination. Baluta comes out aggressive and tries to land a left hook. McCann catches Baluta behind the head, but the referee decides it's not a slip and not a knockdown.

Baluta misses on a massive overhand right. McCann is looking to establish his jab, while Baluta wants to land something big early. McCann is committing to the body, which could pay dividends later. Baluta is temporarily trapped in the corner. McCann is already showing his evolution and looking sharp.

Round 2:

Ionut Baluta finds a home for the left hook again. Dennis McCann is trying to keep his distance and go to the body when they get close. Baluta is being aggressive, but he's also getting caught on the way in. Baluta will need to walk through some damage to find long-term success in this fight.

Baluta comes over the top again and lands a hook. McCann is slowly increasing the volume of his jab. McCann is starting to build off his jab and follow with the straight left. Baluta is missing a lot and getting caught. McCann should be up two rounds after Baluta was stunned in the last ten seconds.

Round 3:

Baluta lands several left hooks in an intense sequence to start the round. He hasn't found much success outside of hooks. McCann is pushing him back with his jab and could find an opportunity to inflict some serious damage. McCann's jab is getting sharper every round, which could be the difference-maker in this fight.

Baluta is getting slightly reckless on his way in. He needs to be careful not to get caught. The referee issues both a warning for almost clashing heads. Baluta misses again on another massive hook. McCann is dictating the pace of this fight and took round three. Baluta shouldn't be overlooked moving forward.

Round 4:

Dennis McCann lands a clean shot while Ionut Baluta attempts to close the distance. Baluta wants this fight to get ugly. He threw a barrage of punches, which did minimal damage to McCann. McCann catches Baluta with another short hook.

Baluta is putting himself in danger every time he attempts to the close distance. He knows something needs to change, but McCann could time one of these and potentially secure a knockdown. McCann is maintaining his technical approach and starting to outclass Baluta. McCann takes another round.

Round 5:

Baluta isn't changing anything up. He's trying to rush in and make something happen with his warrior spirit. This is McCann's fight if he stays composed and continues capitalizing on Baluta's recklessness. McCann's defensive improvements have been on display thus far.

McCann somewhat abandoned his jab. McCann lands an uppercut off the break and gets a warning from the referee. Baluta is finding some success on the inside, not enough. McCann is relocating his jab and pushing Baluta back again.

Round 6:

Carl Frampton's scorecard has Dennis McCann up five rounds to zero. Ionut Baluta starts the round with several jabs that showed some potential. They return to distance and McCann is building momentum next. McCann's punches are landing cleaner and doing more damage. Baluta doesn't have an answer thus far.

Baluta finds a home for his left hook, but it's still not enough to make a difference. McCann thought he secured a knockdown. The referee scores another slip and then calls time when Baluta drops his mouthpiece. Bad signs for Baluta.

Round 7:

Ionut Baluta needs to switch something up. He's down badly on the scorecards and hasn't inflicted much damage. Dennis McCann lands a straight left and seems to be slowly increasing his volume of punches. Baluta could find an opening if McCann becomes too aggressive.

McCann's straight left is taking over this fight. The damage is starting to add up, and the fans are sensing a finish could come within the next few rounds. Baluta refuses to back down as McCann lands a massive body shot. Baluta is up against the ropes and McCann lands another vicious body shot.

Round 8:

Ionut Baluta's body language looks awful. This fight could be over in round eight if something drastically doesn't change. Baluta comes out aggressive. Unfortunately for him, nothing is penetrating Dennis McCann's sharp defense. McCann's commitment to the body is paying dividends in these later rounds.

Baluta is moving backward more and more, which McCann is capitalizing on. McCann goes back to the body, but Baluta refuses to back down. McCann lands another clean body shot. The life is slowly being taken out of Baluta. McCann is using the injured body to distract Baluta from dangerous punches up top.

Round 9:

Ionut Baluta needs a finish. Dennis McCann likely won every single round, except MAYBE the first. Baluta lands a solid body shot and temporarily looks at the referee, not sure what happened there. Baluta slips again and McCann taunts him by dancing while the former returns to his feet.

McCann's performance tonight has been phenomenal. He's focusing on the body and knows Baluta can't take much more to the midsection. Baluta is tying up and trying to make something happen. Everything is working for McCann now. McCann takes another round, and it's entertaining to see the youngster gain confidence.

Round 10:

Baluta is loading up on his punches, trying to make something crazy happen. McCann is easily moving out of the way and landing counters as he racks up experience on his way to a European title. McCann is throwing various versions of his one-two combinations, as Baluta slips to the ground again.

This has been a very impressive performance from McCann. The referee gives Baluta a warning for punching too low. McCann has stopped targeting the body as he looks to take Baluta's head off. McCann secured another round.

Round 11:

Ionut Baluta is an absolute warrior. He's coming forward and throwing bombs, but Dennis McCann is on a different level and getting out of the way. Baluta is running out of time and McCann is cruising to a one-sided unanimous decision win.

McCann easily ducks under another hook from Baluta. McCann throws multiple hooks to Baluta's body. Baluta temporarily looks hurt, his hands are low and he's moving backward to recover. McCann is changing levels and a finish is near.

McCann is letting his hands go with less than thirty seconds left. Baluta survives the round and we're somehow going to the final frame.

Round 12:

Ionut Baluta needs an absolute miracle to win this fight. Baluta comes out swinging before slowing down due to Dennis McCann's sharp counters. McCann needs to remain composed and not give Baluta any wild opportunities.

McCann has looked phenomenal while showcasing his cardio, defense, and shot selection. He's definitely a fighter to watch moving forward. Respect to Baluta for his warrior spirit, but it's not his night. McCann lands a left hook and stumbles Baluta with less than a minute left.

It looked like the fight was over. The referee stepped in due to Baluta's mouthpiece falling out. Veteran move. McCann wants the finish with thirty seconds left. Baluta manages to go the distance and McCann will have his hand raised.

Official Result: Dennis McCann defeated Ionut Baluta by unanimous decision (117-111 x2 and 120-108) for the vacant EBU European super bantamweight world title.