Sam Hickey knocks out Brad Axe in 7th round

Sam Hickey sent a thunderous right hand crashing into Brad Axe’s jaw in the seventh round of their super-welterweight contest, ending the fight instantly with a devastating knockout. The 28-year-old Scot landed the finishing blow at 2 minutes 57 seconds of the round inside the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on Saturday night. It was Hickey’s 14th win inside the distance and lifted his record to 20-2, while Axe, a late replacement, slipped to 15-4-1.

Hickey was the busier fighter throughout but struggled to find the clean shot that would close the fight. Axe, known for his toughness and work rate, absorbed early punishment and seemed to be settling into the contest. By the seventh, however, Hickey’s persistence paid off. Axe had already lost two of his last three fights and needed a win to stay in the rankings hunt. Instead, he leaves Glasgow with a brutal loss that will force him to rethink his approach or risk sliding further down the division.

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed Hickey will now target a shot at a British or Commonwealth title, possibly against reigning champion Tom Weaver. The win moves Hickey into the top 15 of the WBA rankings and could push him toward a domestic eliminator or even a world-title eliminator in 2025. Axe, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly if he wants to stay in contention for a ranking position.

This knockout was a statement. Hickey has been knocking on the door of title-level opposition for two years. Saturday’s finish suggests he may not have to wait much longer.