Milas KOs Shala in round 10

Per-Ake Persson

Germany Croatian heavyweight Petar Milas (20-1) scored the biggest win of his ten-year career by stopping German Granit Shala (18-2) 1.29 of the tenth round and won the IBF International title on Saturday night in Oberhausen, Germany.

Shala showed quick hands but was outworked by Milas, who appeared to be in excellent shape in what was a close fight all the way were both had their moments.

In the tenth round Milas came out fast and opened up for real and got Shala under heavy pressure. Granit was hurt by a right hand and eventually went down. He got up and was allowed to continue and Milas jumped on him. It looked like Shala would be able to smother his opponent but then he was caught again, and again and was a spent force but the referee, German Timo Habighorst, gave his countryman every chance, and a few more to recover, but instead he took a bad beating. Milas motioned to the referee to stop but he waved him on and Petar finished off Shala with a one-two combination and now, finally, it was stopped way too late. The fight was close up until the end and Shala may have had a close lead but the referee helping the local man is a dangerous game – and here it went all wrong.

For Milas it is up and away while Shala may be looking at the end of his career – at least with Agon Sports, who has promoted him since he turned pro.