In an exhausting battle of wills, Hadribeaj (23-0-1, 8 KOs) reigned supreme against the heavy-handed, energetic but crucially inexperienced Samake (19-1, 11 KOs) to inflict the Frenchman's career-first defeat in Oberhausen, Germany.

116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 were the three judges' scorecards ringside, as a new mandatory challenger for Sebastian Fundora's WBC junior middleweight title was confirmed a month later than originally planned.

The transparency of WBC approved open scoring meant the fight still hung in the balance after eight completed rounds.

Hadribeaj was up by one on two scorecards and it was 76-76 on the other. Samake delivered plenty of intensity in the build-up, yet wasn't able to pace himself with consistency over 36 minutes and that proved his downfall.

Hadribeaj's veteran savvy saw him wilt down the stretch, sapping his energy reserves by smartly holding and hassling him at close-range to stifle his better work through combinations and infrequent bursts forward.

Having already absorbed the 22-year-old's best punches and walking forward unbothered, the Florida-based Albanian returned fire with scoring shots of his own and the pressure told down as they neared the finish line.

"I learned nothing new, just work hard, believe in it and here we are, world title baby," Hadribeaj said post-fight.

"I've been chasing a long time, coming all the way up and nobody believed, what can you say now? Here I am again, thank you Germany, to my promoter and coach, all Albanians around the world ... I can't wait to make you proud. I just want the green belt, let's go."