Aina Abbey, the WBF International Super-Flyweight champion, experienced her first career defeat on Friday at the Zenith Metropole in Nantes, Loire-Atlantique, France, against French Jeyssa Marcel, the IBO Intercontinental and WBC Youth world Bantamweight champion.
French fighter Marcel secured a majority decision victory over Abbey after eight rounds of their female bantamweight contest. Both boxers entered the ring undefeated, with Abbey boasting a perfect record of 11 wins and nine knockouts. However, Abbey’s record now stands at 11-0-1 following her defeat, while Marcel, aged 22, has extended her unbeaten streak to 13 wins, including two knockouts.
Despite acknowledging the challenge posed by her younger opponent before the bout, Abbey expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, alleging unfair treatment. She cited the difference in weight between her and Marcel, highlighting discrepancies observed during the weigh-in.
Abbey voiced her disappointment, stating, “I was not happy with the result because they used home advantage for her, despite the fact that the girl (Marcel) is bigger than me.” She elaborated on Marcel’s weight advantage, claiming that the fight was arranged on short notice, giving Marcel an advantage after undergoing an extensive weight reduction regimen.
Despite the setback, Abbey remains resolute in her pursuit of becoming a world champion, emphasizing her determination to persevere despite feeling cheated. She affirmed, “I know I feel cheated but all the same life goes on, I will never relent until I became world champion.”
