Pavel Pavlak successfully defended his middleweight title with a dramatic TKO victory over Mamed Khalidov in the final seconds of the fourth round. The finish came in what was Pavlak's fourth title defense as middleweight champion. The stoppage occurred with virtually no time remaining in round four, making it a particularly dramatic conclusion to the championship bout. Details about the specific sequence leading to the stoppage are limited in the report. This victory extends Pavlak's reign as champion and continues his defensive streak in the division.
Pavel Pavlak cemented his status as one of the most resilient middleweight champions in recent memory, stopping Mamed Khalidov via TKO in the dying seconds of the fourth round to retain his middleweight title on April 19, 2026.
The finish was as dramatic as championship bouts come. Khalidov survived deep into what appeared to be a competitive contest, only for Pavlak to force the stoppage with virtually no time left on the clock in round four, denying his opponent the chance to hear the bell and push the fight further.
The victory marks Pavlak's fourth successful title defense, underscoring a reign that has proven both durable and resilient against a series of challengers. Khalidov, a long-established name in European middleweight competition, brought credible experience into the bout but was ultimately unable to weather the champion's finishing push in the championship rounds.
Why it matters
- Pavlak's fourth title defense places him among the more accomplished middleweight champions in his promotion's history
- The late stoppage demonstrates his ability to find finishes when fights are deep and closely contested
- Khalidov's defeat raises questions about his path back to title contention at this stage of his career
