Tyson Pedro has successfully transitioned from UFC star to professional boxer, achieving a spectacular knockout victory against Taimoor Khan at the Nowhere To Run event held on February 26, 2025, at Penrith Leagues Club, Australia. This highly anticipated debut saw Pedro showcase his skills, culminating in a seventh-round stoppage over the previously undefeated Khan, whose record stood at 15 wins.
Pedro, who had faced multiple setbacks and cancellations leading up to his first boxing match, finally stepped foot inside the ring, determined to prove himself. The former UFC light heavyweight demonstrated composure and prowess, establishing dominance early on. Commentator Barry Michael noted, "This guy was just dominant ... he could not have done it any more impressively. One of the best debuts I have ever seen."
The event attracted local fans who witnessed Pedro's emotional reaction post-fight. "It was always meant to happen," Pedro said, visibly moved by the support. "This is the smallest crowd I've fought in front of for a long time, but it's the biggest fight of my life. Thank you everyone for f—ing coming!"
Pedro had previously attempted to make his boxing debut on two occasions against Kris Terzievski; those bouts were canceled due to injury and contractual disputes. Overcoming these challenges, he entered the squared circle against Khan with the WBC international bridgerweight title on the line. Pedro's performance demonstrated not only skill but also the resilience and determination he has carried throughout his career.
Fighting out of Western Sydney, the 33-year-old Pedro started strong, keeping pressure on Khan from the opening bell. The early rounds showcased Pedro mixing jabs and body shots, which set the pace for the fight. Although Khan didn’t go down without a fight—displaying impressive resistance during exchanges—Pedro's strategy began to pay dividends as the rounds progressed.
By the fifth round, Pedro's relentless attack had visibly affected Khan, who began to show signs of wear. Hometown commentator Andy Raymond remarked, "He is a natural fighter … but he is looking like a very natural boxer as well," as Pedro consistently found gaps in Khan's defense. The excitement swirled as fans sensed the imminent conclusion of the contest.
With the fight entering its final rounds, Pedro found his rhythm, utilizing his boxing training under the guidance of three-time world champion Jeff Fenech. "There's been a lot of people trying to break my Australian record where I won a world title in my seventh fight," Fenech mentioned, honoring Pedro's potential for greatness as he stands on the brink of championship pursuits.
The climactic moment came in the seventh round. After landing significant punches, Pedro caught Khan with a decisive right hand, prompting the referee to step in after Khan fell to the canvas. An emotional Pedro celebrated the triumph with his supporters who had come to witness this pivotal moment.
Following his victory, Pedro did not shy away from his ambitions, indicating interest in securing higher-profile bouts moving forward. “I want to make it my mission to represent Australia and my culture on the world stage for my family,” Pedro declared, hinting at aspirations for title fights along with potential conflicts against names such as Jake Paul. "But I wouldn't mind getting Jake Paul back for the 'Tysons,'" he added, alluding to the growing interest around celebrity boxing.
The evening also saw other exciting bouts, with Jackson England earning knockout victory early on with his own decisive performance. The event, filled with emotional moments and high-stakes action, marked Pedro's inaugural boxing match as not only significant but memorable, setting the stage for what many hope will be a remarkable career.
With Pedro now firmly established within the bridgerweight ranks, his performance on this night is just the beginning of what could be an electrifying chapter for the former MMA athlete. Fans are eager to witness what is next for Pedro, as he takes on the challenging world of professional boxing with steadfast commitment and vibrant enthusiasm.