Coming into this match, Avni Yildirim (14(9)-0) had already defeated Aaron Pryor Jr., Timur Nikarkhoev, and Jackson Junior — guys you should beat if you’re to be considered blue chip. Schiller Hyppolite (21(14)-2), himself a prospect, was supposed to offer a stiff challenge.
Instead, it was a wipeout. Yildirim beat Hyppolite from pillar to post. There was not one moment Hyppolite ever seemed in the fight, and Yildirim ran roughshod over him. Displaying super ring generalship, Yildirim continued to back Hyppolite to the ropes where he pummeled him with body shots, uppercuts, and overhand rights. Hyppolite went down in R3 and never recovered, forcing a stoppage.
Yildirim is clearly an exciting come forward stylist with some power — and he’s already proven popular in Germany. With Arthur Abraham and Felix Sturm continuing to be draws in Germany, the super middleweight division is a great place for Yildirim to build his career — and make some serious money.
As for his potential to be elite at 167lbs? I have yet to see Yildirim be seriously challenged, and he’s won 4 of his last 5 fights by KO. Keep your eye on him.