In the first of two title fights at MF & DAZN X Series 17, Nurideen Shabazz, better known as 'Deen the Great,' took on Dave Fogarty for the Misfits Boxing lightweight title. The fight was the fourth of nine on the night and the second on the main card.
Like most of the competitors of Misfits Boxing, Shabazz, and Fogarty both have a following due to their success as internet personalities. Shabazz is the Misfits veteran with five fights in the promotion entering Aug. 31 and Fogarty making his boxing debut. However, the 34-year-old known as 'Yogurty' owns a 7-3 record as an amateur MMA fighter that includes multiple appearances in past IMMAF Championship tournaments.
Shabazz entered the fight as the defending Misfits Boxing lightweight champion with Fogarty getting an immediate title shot in his debut.
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Fogarty received the unanimous support of the crowd as the Ireland native but the experience edge of Shabazz was evident from the start. Despite being the taller fighter, Fogarty struggled to find his range early with Shabazz's speed giving him another edge.
However, Fogarty managed to briefly turn the tables in round two with a big right hand to back Shabazz up for the first time in the fight. The champion was momentarily forced against the ropes but rebounded at the end of the frame.
The brawling action picked up in the third round with both men having their moments until Shabazz landed the first knockdown of the night in the final minute of the frame. Fogarty recovered enough to survive the count but was on shaky legs until another right hand floored him again at the horn, causing the referee to wave off the fight and award 'Deen the Great' a TKO win.
Shabazz aimed high after his win, calling out Shakur Stevenson and Ryan Garcia to fight for a "real belt" in his post-fight interview. The win marked his third defense of the Misfits Boxing lightweight title.