The social media boxing spectacle La Velada del Año returned for its third installment on February 25th, 2023, pitting mega-popular Spanish YouTubers head-to-head in the ring. One of the most anticipated matchups saw streamers LuzuTV and elrubiusOMG clash over 6 hard-fought rounds, with over 600,000 concurrent live viewers on Twitch witnessing the action. While seasoned boxer Fernanfloo entered as a massive favorite boasting far greater experience, underdog Luzu stunned viewers and critics alike by seizing a tight majority decision.
Fighter Profiles: YouTube Legends Enter the Ring
Headliner Luzu entered the contest with over 15 million YouTube subscribers and a resume full of creative humorous videos and popular Minecraft streams. While boasting massive popularity as an influencer, he lacked any formal boxing training. The battle-tested Fernanfloo meanwhile claimed over 40 million subscribers and 12 years producing comedy sketches and gameplay content. He came equipped with a lengthy amateur boxing career including multiple gym wars – seemingly a recipe for efficiently dismantling his internet rival.
Breakdown: Luzu Captures Momentum With Slick Counters
As the two creative combatants squared off, veteran Fernanfloo sought to impose his will early, pressing forward behind an accurate left jab and ripping combinations to the head and body. The aggressive assault backed Luzu up in the early going, but he soon adjusted to his opponent‘s rhythm, focusing on sharp counterpunching.
Luzu began slipping Fernanfloo‘s leads and returning stiff straight right hands down the middle. He also scored effectively with check left hooks, seizing control to capture round two clearly according to all three judges. Fernanfloo mounted a late rally in round three, attacking the body viciously, but took heavy return fire trading recklessly in the pocket.
Entering the second half of the fight with momentum, Luzu remained composed, continuing set traps and score eye-catching counters on the charging veteran. Cultivating significant swelling under Fernanfloo‘s left eye, Luzu utilized lateral movement and footwork to angle away from danger. The younger fighter‘s slick strategy earned him rounds four and five on two of the three officials‘ scorecards.
Controversial Cards Draw Ire of Luzu‘s Camp
Despite a strong finish in the closing round, Fernanfloo couldn‘t manage to close the gap, suffering competitive 57-56, 57-56, and 58-55 defeats on the judges tally cards. The result aligned accurately with many ringside experts, but still proved controversial. Harsh 57-55 scores in favor of the veteran through 4 rounds drew vehement protests from Luzu‘s camp in his corner.
Luzu‘s trainer Jorge Blanco decried the narrow margins awarded to Fernanfloo despite Luzu seeming to consistently land the more eye-catching shots. "The scoring has been totally inaccurate," Blanco fumed. "Everyone can see the damaging blows Luzu is landing – he is clearly taking over this fight."
YouTube Reactions: Influencers Stunned by Result
Ringside YouTube personalities stood shocked as Luzu‘s hand was raised. Popular Fortnite streamer TheGrefg admitted "I can‘t believe what I just witnessed – Luzu was so sharp and fought the perfect fight given his experience." Gaming icon sTaXx also weighed in: "My respect for Luzu just went through the roof – he showed skills and heart today that will make him a force moving forward."
2006 FIFA World Cup winner Gerard Piqué gave his take as an elite athlete: "You have to marvel at what Luzu accomplished today. Countering effectively against aggression requires masterful timing and technique – he had that down pat."
Overall, the consensus stood clear that Luzu exhibited far greater craft than expected against a dangerous puncher. After the fight, Fernanfloo agreed: "He implemented an intelligent gameplan – congrats to him."
Social Media Buzzing: Fight Receives Enormous Engagement
Within minutes the Luzu vs Fernanfloo decision went viral across Spanish-speaking social platforms. Twitter recorded over 120,000 related tweets in just the first hour, dominating online discussion. According to metrics firm Stream Hatchet, La Velada del Año infiltrated at least 600 million social media timelines in 188 countries worldwide.
Google search interest soared to all-time highs in Spain, Mexico and Argentina. Over 75% of social media impressions occurred from fans aged 18-34, signalling the enormous influence these Internet entertainers wield among young demographics.
Comparatively, the engagement eclipsed boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury vs Derek Chisora‘s most recent matchup in early December. These figures quantify the meteoric rise of YouTuber prize fighting as a commercial product and cultural phenomenon.
The Pursuit for Boxing Redemption Continues
Despite disagreements on the final tallies, an engrossing sporting contest left viewers satisfied and competitors proud of their performances. Luzu gave his fallen foe glowing praise in victory:
I express my happiness and satisfaction with Fernanfloo‘s performance in the boxing match, highlighting their good relationship and Fernanfloo‘s commitment and achievement. He represented himself exceptionally here on the biggest stage in front of the entire Spanish-speaking world. Much respect.
The ever-competitive Fernanfloo still believes the cards didn‘t represent his effective aggression. Vowing redemption after coming up short again following multiple failed bids to land bouts with Jake and Logan Paul, he plans to return to serious training quickly. If victorious in a future matchup he‘d love to welcome the Paul brothers to a Spanish-language mega-event for a massive worldwide grudge match.
But for now, the night belonged to Luzu and his brilliant tactical performance – one that will surely scaffold him towards more lucrative boxing opportunities. For Fernanfloo, back to the gym in hopes that the fourth time ultimately proves the charm versus a marquee name.