William Scull outpoints Vladimir Shishkin, wins vacant IBF super middle belt

William Scull won a close but unanimous decision on Saturday, defeating Vladimir Shishkin at Stadthalle in Brandenburg, Germany to win the vacant IBF super middleweight title.

The scores were 116-113, 116-112 and 115-113, all for Scull (23-0, 9 knockouts), a Germany based Cuban who entered the fight as the no. 1 rated IBF contender at 168 pounds. Shishkin (16-1, 10 KOs) of Stepnoe, Russia loses for the first time in his eight year pro career.

Despite a title belt being at stake,...