(September 3, 2023) – Arnold “The Cobra” Gjergjaj is the new World Boxing Federation (WBF) world Heavyweight champion after winning the vacant title on Saturday night, September 2, at the Landgasthof in Riehen, Switzerland.
Gjergjaj, the WBF Intercontinental champion going in, defeated Belgian co-challenger Bilal Laggoune by narrow split decision after a cautious performance from both boxers, where neither appeared prepared to take any risks.
Judges Armin Bracher and Christian Roesen both scored the fight 115-113 for Gjergjaj, while judge Bertrand Bossel had it 115-113 for Laggoune.
Many rounds were close and hard to score, so a closely-scored split decision seemed appropriate after a chess-match that could have gone either way.
The new WBF world Heavyweight champion improved his professional record to 37-3 (27). Laggoune drops to 26-4-2 (14).
The fight headlined a card promoted by Bekim Gjergjaj.
