GLORY Underground marked the promotion’s first event in the United States since GLORY 72 in 2019, which was held in Chicago, Illinois. This time, the event took place at the Betr Warehouse in Miami, Florida—but unfortunately, it was marred by a noticeable lack of professionalism.
The production quality took a significant hit, and although Joe Valtellini returned to commentary, he was frequently overshadowed by two beer-chugging influencers affiliated with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Tim Hughes, whose presence normally lends a great deal of authenticity to the production, was also nowhere to be found.
A sparse audience of about 200 people—many of whom seemed largely uninterested—added to the awkward atmosphere. At times, even the referee appeared unfamiliar with the ruleset, further undercutting the event’s credibility. Some fights clearly suffered as a result.
The YouTube live chat was flooded with criticism, as fans called out the amateurish commentary and subpar presentation—far below the high standards GLORY fans have come to expect. Coming off the success of the Last Heavyweight Standing event, one can’t help but wonder who Underground was really meant to appeal to.
KWASI AND BEZTATI DRAW AGAIN
Regardless of the issues with the broadcast, the two champions would deliver once again as their fight would be eerily similar to their first encounter. The two started off reserved in the first round, feeling each other out. The second round, much like the first, would get more frantic, and Kwasi would drop Beztati in the second round, just like in their first fight.
The following two rounds would be close, but an emboldened Beztati would attempt to rally and likely steal the third and fourth rounds from the welterweight champion. The final round would be an absolute barn burner as the two would exchange, and Kwasi seemingly dropped Beztati again, only for it to be ruled a slip as the two immediately continued to trade in the dying moments of the fight.
The fight was shockingly ruled a draw, once again. Neither fighter was happy with the decision, with Beztati exclaiming in the post-fight interview that he won four rounds—much to the welterweight champion's chagrin.
BOAPEAH CRUSHES LATESCU
Michael Boapeah extends his win streak to five since his loss to middleweight champion Donovan Wisse, as he would proceed to systematically crush Latescu's calf through the first round. Throughout the opening minutes he outworked Latescu with his boxing and worked the right knee to the Romanian's body. The second round would spell disaster for Latescu. Boapeah figured out how to land on Latescu's calf at will.
He made Latescu reel in pain with every strike, scoring three knockdowns in a single round. On the final knockdown, the Romanian even seemed to surrender, as if he knew he was finished. The loss extended his losing streak in the promotion to four—a unfortunate fall for a fighter once hailed as GLORY’s newcomer of the year.
This, however, likely sets up Boapeah into the title picture at light heavyweight, as he inches closer to the division's top.
GLORY UNDERGROUND RESULTS
Chico Kwasi (C) vs. Tyjani Beztati – Split Draw
Michael Boapeah def. Stefan Latescu – TKO (Four Knockdowns), R2 1:54
Don Sno def. Younes Smaili – Unanimous Decision
Andrija Stankovic def. Gary Mack – Unanimous Decision
Delvin Nichols def. Demitri Lyman – Split Decision
