Bulgaria's Yosif Panov has defended his Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) world welterweight title. The Bulgarian boxer dubbed "The Viper" defeated the Frenchman Sandy Messaoud after 12 equal rounds and a unanimous decision. This was also the main fight of the gala evening of combat sports Max Fight 56.

Panov deserved the applause of nearly 10,000 spectators in the Sofia-based Arena Sofia Hall as well as superlatives from the big star in the stands - Conor McGregor. The Irish legend in MMA awarded both boxers with a bonus of 12,000 euros each.

Borislav Velev ("Roy") deserved the same for the knockout of the evening in the warm-up clash with Pablo Mendoza.

Yosif Panov already has 25 victories in the professional ring. After the triumph, he thanked for the support and called on the spectators once again to chant "Bulgarians, heroes!"