Boxing Match Preview: Souleymane Cissokho (17-0-0, 9 KOs) vs. Egidijus Kavaliauskas (24-2-1, 19 KOs)
Fight Details
- Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
- Time: Estimated ring walks at 10:00 AM PT
- Venue: Centre de Conference de Sipopo, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
- Broadcast: TBD
- Title at Stake: WBC Silver Welterweight Championship
Undefeated French contender Souleymane Cissokho (17-0-0, 9 KOs) will defend his WBC Silver Welterweight title against Lithuanian powerhouse Egidijus Kavaliauskas (24-2-1, 19 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight showdown. This bout serves as a final eliminator for the WBC World Welterweight Championship, making it a crucial step toward a future title shot.
Fighter Profiles & Recent Form
Souleymane Cissokho (France)
- Age: 33
- Height: 5’10”
- Reach: 70.5 inches
- Stance: Orthodox
- Record: 17 wins, 0 losses, 0 draws (9 KOs)
- Titles Held: WBC Silver Welterweight Champion
Cissokho is a technical boxer with sharp counterpunching skills, known for his disciplined approach and ability to control the pace of a fight. He won the WBC Silver Welterweight title in 2022 and successfully defended it once. His last fight saw him defeat Isaias Lucero by unanimous decision, proving his ability to go the distance.
Egidijus Kavaliauskas (Lithuania)
- Age: 36
- Height: 5’9″
- Reach: 70.9 inches
- Stance: Orthodox
- Record: 24 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw (19 KOs)
- Titles Held: Former WBO NABF Welterweight Champion
Kavaliauskas, also known as “Mean Machine,” is a powerful puncher with an aggressive style, boasting a 79% knockout ratio. He has fought elite competition, including Terence Crawford, and has rebounded with multiple stoppage wins since his last loss. His most recent victory was a third-round knockout, showcasing his ability to end fights early.
Tactical Breakdown & Keys to Victory
Cissokho’s Strategy
- Technical Precision: He must use his superior footwork and counterpunching to neutralize Kavaliauskas’ aggression.
- Defensive Awareness: Avoiding exchanges in close quarters will be key to controlling the fight.
- Body Work: Targeting Kavaliauskas’ midsection could slow down his power punches.
Kavaliauskas’ Strategy
- Pressure & Power: He thrives on overwhelming opponents with his aggressive style.
- Early Knockout Threat: His best chance is to hurt Cissokho early and force him into a firefight.
- Cutting Off the Ring: He must prevent Cissokho from using lateral movement to escape exchanges.
Betting Odds & Predictions
- Cissokho: -175 favorite
- Kavaliauskas: +150 underdog
- Over/Under Rounds: 8.5 rounds
- Cissokho by Decision: +110
- Kavaliauskas by KO/TKO: +200
Cissokho’s technical ability and defensive skills make him the favorite, but Kavaliauskas’ power and experience could make this a dangerous fight. Experts predict a close decision victory for Cissokho, but if Kavaliauskas lands clean early, an upset knockout is possible.
FIGHT ODDS
Souleymane Cissokho – 180
Egidijus Kavaliauskas + 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 9, 2025
