Jorden Curran
Former IMMAF World Championships medallist Ermal Hadribeaj took one step closer to professional boxing glory, as he defeated previously unbeaten French prospect Bakary Samake to become the mandatory challenger for the WBC junior middleweight world title.
Hadribeaj faced Samake on May 23 in Oberhausen, Germany, and produced a relentless performance, showcasing veteran composure with durability and pressure, growing stronger as the bout progressed while Samake faded. The 32-year-old was awarded a unanimous decision win by the judge’s (116-112, 115-113 and 115-113).
This victory positions the WBC international title holder as the mandatory challenger to reigning WBC super-welterweight world champion Sebastian Fundora. Based in Florida, USA, Hadribeaj has built an undefeated professional record of 23-0-1 since his 2019 boxing debut, after a short professional MMA tenure.
Back in 2016 to 2017 Hadribeaj represented Albania as an international amateur prospect at the IMMAF European Open Championships before achieving his strongest result at the 2017 IMMAF World Championships where he earned a bronze medal in the men’s lightweight division.
While global MMA stars such as Conor McGregor and Francis Ngannou have generated major headlines by crossing into professional boxing, Hadribeaj has quietly emerged as arguably the most successful MMA fighter to fully transition into the sport and establish career legitimacy.
