Issac “Headsplitter” Hardman Retains IBC Middleweight Title with Third-Round Knockout

Fortitude Boxing’s Issac “Headsplitter” Hardman has successfully defended his International Brawling Championship Middleweight Title, defeating Mikey “The Samoan Warrior” Vaotuua by knockout in the third round on Wednesday night.

Fighting in front of a hometown Gold Coast crowd at SOPO Southport, Hardman headlined IBC 04 in one of the most highly anticipated bouts on the card. The tension had been building throughout fight week, with an intense weigh-in and face-off setting the stage for a fierce middleweight title battle.

Vaotuua came prepared to fight and pushed Hardman through an action-packed opening, with Main Event describing the contest as an “absolute war.” Hardman’s power ultimately proved decisive, finding the finish in round three to retain the IBC Middleweight Title.

The victory continues Hardman’s impressive run in the growing IBC competition. He claimed the inaugural middleweight title with a first-round knockout of Jordan Towns in November 2025 and has quickly established himself as one of the promotion’s biggest personalities and most dangerous competitors.

Following a heated build-up and a brutal battle inside the Brawl Pen, Hardman and Vaotuua showed their respect by embracing after the contest.

Another championship victory for The Headsplitter, and another proud moment for everyone at Fortitude Boxing.

Photos from Sports Photographer Milan Igua