Tyson Pedro KO7 Taimoor Khan ... Former UFC fighter Tyson Pedro won his pro boxing debut in a big way, handing Pakistan's Taimoor Khan (15-1-0, 13 KOs) his first pro loss at the Panthers Rugby League Club in Penrith, Australia. Pedro retired from mixed martial arts less than a year ago with a 10-5 record in the cage. Campaigning as a bridgerweight, Pedro pulled off a dominant victory, displaying great qualities and looking far superior to his rival, scoring a seventh-round knockout.

 

The 33-year old commented after the fight: “It was always meant to happen. This is the smallest crowd I’ve fought in front of in a long time but it’s the biggest fight of my life. Thank you all for coming. The journey we’re on is meant to be and looks like it’s impossible… thank you to everyone who supported me and believed in me. You have no idea how hard this is and now I want to make it my mission to represent Australia and my culture on the world stage for my family. I know I looked pretty calm but I haven’t slept in a while, there’s been pressure.

 

“Everyone said I was crazy to leave the UFC so now that I’m doing it… I’m very proud of myself. I went through hell to get here..."

 

Pedro, named Tyson in honor of the great “Iron” Mike Tyson, was born in Sydney to Australian parents of Samoan origin. His father John is considered a great promoter of the sport in his country