Brandon Thysse may have left France without a world championship belt, but his performance against Milan Prat demonstrated the fighting spirit and punching power that have made him one of South Africa’s leading boxers.
The South African entered the contest determined to capture the vacant IBO super-welterweight world title, facing a French opponent who had the advantage of fighting on home soil. What followed was a fiercely contested encounter filled with momentum swings, knockdowns and a demanding test of endurance.
Prat ultimately secured victory on the judges’ scorecards, with all three officials scoring the contest in his favour: 113-111, 114-110 and 113-111. The result improved the Frenchman’s record to 31 victories and one defeat, while Thysse suffered the fifth loss of his professional career. <Cite refs={[“turn233438search3″,”turn233438search0”]}/>
Three Knockdowns Put Prat Under Pressure
Thysse showed his ability to change the direction of a fight when he found success with his right hand during the middle rounds.
The South African sent Prat to the canvas in the sixth round before repeating the feat in the seventh and eighth. Those knockdowns threatened to derail the Frenchman’s championship ambitions and gave Thysse a significant opportunity to take control of the contest.
However, Prat demonstrated resilience of his own, recovering from the setbacks and finding ways to remain competitive.
The French boxer managed to survive the dangerous exchanges and gradually worked his way back into the fight. His ability to recover and maintain his composure proved crucial as the contest moved towards its final rounds.
Momentum Shifts in the Championship Rounds
After the explosive middle rounds, the contest became increasingly demanding for both fighters.
Thysse had invested heavily in his attacks while attempting to capitalise on his opponent’s vulnerability. Prat, meanwhile, increased his output and looked to take advantage as the South African began to tire.
The final rounds proved decisive, with Prat finishing strongly enough to convince all three judges that he had done sufficient work to claim the victory.
For Thysse, the disappointment was particularly significant because the opportunity to win a world title had been within reach. His three knockdowns of Prat demonstrated the threat he posed, but the inability to maintain that momentum over the full distance ultimately proved costly.
A Missed Opportunity for South African Boxing
The defeat also denied South Africa the chance to produce its first IBO world champion in the super-welterweight division.
South African boxers have enjoyed considerable success in other weight categories, but the IBO junior-middleweight title has remained elusive. Thysse had hoped to change that history by defeating Prat in France. <Cite refs={[“turn233438search0″,”turn233438search8”]}/>
His loss followed previous unsuccessful attempts by South African fighters Roarke Knapp and Shervantaigh Koopman to capture the same championship.
Nevertheless, Thysse’s performance offered evidence that he could compete at a high level internationally. Dropping a highly regarded opponent three times in a world title contest is a significant achievement, even if it does not guarantee victory.
What Comes Next for Brandon Thysse?
At 32, Thysse now faces the task of regrouping after one of the most important fights of his professional career.
The South African will need to assess the moments when he allowed Prat to recover and consider how to sustain his attacking pressure across 12 rounds. Better management of distance, energy and combinations could prove important in future championship opportunities.
For Prat, the victory represents a major milestone, as he becomes the IBO super-welterweight world champion. For Thysse, the immediate result is painful, but the experience may yet shape the next stage of his career.
His journey in Paris did not end with the championship belt he had travelled to win. Instead, it ended with a hard-fought defeat against an opponent who survived three knockdowns and finished stronger.
Thysse leaves France without the title, but his determination to challenge for the highest honours in boxing remains a central part of his story. The next chapter will depend on how he responds to this setback and whether he can turn the lessons of Paris into another opportunity to fight for world championship glory.
