Troy Isley beats Joseph Hicks 97-92, 96-93, 96-93 for WBA belt

Troy Isley defeated Joseph Hicks by unanimous decision in Atlanta, winning 97-92, 96-93 and 96-93 on the judges’ scorecards. The 10-round victory at State Farm Arena lifted Isley’s professional record to 17-0 and earned him the vacant WBA Continental USA middleweight title.

The scores suggested a clear contest, although Hicks made the early rounds competitive. He used his reach and jab effectively before landing a strong right hand to Isley’s chin in the second round. Isley started to gain control in the third, when a left hook behind Hicks’ ear appeared to hurt him.

Isley was deducted one point in the fifth round for a kidney shot. Hicks did not make enough of the opportunity to change the direction of the fight, and Isley gradually established a more consistent rhythm as the bout progressed.

The unbeaten middleweight became more assertive in the second half, connecting with combinations and keeping up a steadier volume of punches. Hicks continued to look for openings behind his jab, but his cautious approach allowed Isley to win rounds without being forced into sustained exchanges.

The result preserves Isley’s perfect record, but it did not fully resolve how he will perform against the stronger opponents in the division. The 27-year-old has extensive amateur experience, including representing the United States at the 2020 Olympics, and has already recorded six professional knockouts.

Hicks brought additional meaning to the contest because he had defeated Isley twice in three amateur meetings, with tension between the pair carrying into their professional fight. He was nevertheless some distance from the leading middleweights, leaving Isley’s next level of opposition as the key issue.

Yoenli Hernandez, Callum Walsh, Tim Tszyu and Shane Mosley Jr. are among the fighters identified as tougher tests. Against that standard of opposition, Isley’s work rate, accuracy and boxing skills will face a more demanding examination than his new regional title can provide.