By Ernest Osogbue 

UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis made short work of American challenger Sean Strickland by claiming a unanimous decision win over his opponent in their middleweight title fight. It was Du Plessis 2nd title defense and second fight between the two combatants. The South African had claimed a split decision victory over the American in their first first fight, with the American claiming he should have won. This was a clearer fight, as Du Plessis stayed on top from the beginning, with two judges scoring it 50-45, and a third scoring it 49-46, for Du Plessis to retain his title. 

In boxing, despite being bloodied, Derek Chisora kept his nerve to defeat Swedish boxer Otto Wailin in their heavyweight championship elimination bout. Chisora twice had Wailin on the canvas, as he dominated a difficult opponent six years his junior. In the end, he did enough to impress the judges who scored the fight 117-109, 114-112, 116-110, to hand him victory. He now awaits the winner of the Daniel du Bois versus Joseph Parker title fight, which is billed for the 22nd of February. 

Finally, on a sad note,  Irish Super-featherweight boxer John Cooney died yesterday, one week after suffering a defeat against Welsh boxer Nathan Howells in Belfast. 
Cooney suffered an intercranial hemorrhage during the fight and required surgery. He had been in intensive care since last Saturday, but his family announced yesterday that he had succumbed to his injuries. The 28 year old fighter leaves behind his parents and fiancee Emmaleen. May his soul rest in peace.