Zaurbek Out Boxes Clark To Win WBO European Championship In Kazakhstan

 

Undefeated rising Jr. Lightweight Sultan Zaurbek scored a one-sided ten round unanimous decision over veteran Ronnie Clark to win the vacant WBO European Jr. Lightweight championship on Saturday night at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace in Almaty, Kazakhstan. In an extremely tactical bout fought at a measured pace in front of a crowd of limited spectators due to the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, the unbeaten Kazakhstan native Zaurbek used his longer reach, height, and lateral movement to cleverly out box Clark over the course of ten rounds where the narrative was simply one fighter outworking the other to earn a convincing unanimous decision victory to win the World Boxing Organization’s version of the European Jr. Lightweight championship. Official scores were 100-90 (On two scorecards), and 99-91 all in favor of Zaurbek. Sultan Zaurbek advances to 11-0, with 7 Knockouts. Ronnie Clark falls to 21-5-2, with 7 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

Undefeated Jr. Middleweight Tursynbay Kulakhmet scored a tenth round stoppage of Aleksei Evchenko. Kulakhmet scored a flash knockdown in round one with a short hook to the head. From that point on Kulakhmet was able to control the pace of the fight and gradually wore Evchenko down. The gradual accumulation of punishment took its toll on Evchenko and in round ten a combination highlighted by a right hook to the head sent an exhausted Evchenko down for the second time. The effects of fatigue as well as punishment did not deter Evchenko from getting up from the canvas, but he was unable to withstand a follow-up barrage of punches from Kulakhmet forcing the fight to be stopped at 1:57 of round ten. Tursynbay Kulakhmet advances to 4-0, with 4 Knockouts. Aleksei Evchenko falls to 19-15-2, with 8 Knockouts.

 

In a Lightweight shootout Isa Chaniev overcame a first round knockdown to score a one punch third round knockout of previously undefeated Nurtas Azhbenov. The two fighters exchanged offense at a high pace from the opening bell. Azhbenov dropped Chaniev with a perfectly timed flush left hook to the head late in round one. Despite being clearly hurt, Chaniev was able to get up and held his own in the second round as the two boxers exchanged fierce offense. In round three, Chaniev connected with a flush right hook to the head as Azhbenov was trying to pull back leaving his head exposed sending him down hard and out on the canvas. The fight was stopped immediately without a count. Azhbenov was able to leave the ring under his own power. Official time of the stoppage was :45 of round three. Isa Chaniev advances to 15-3, with 7 Knockouts. Nurtas Azhbenov falls to 11-1, with 4 Knockouts.

 

Unbeaten Welterweight Talgat Shayken scored a seventh round stoppage of Alexander Sharonov. A largely uneventful and workmanlike performance by Shayken suddenly changed midway through round seven when Shayken connected with a right hand that appeared to break Sharonov’s jaw as he tried to turn away from the combat, which led to the fight being stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 1:53 of round seven. Talgat Shayken advances to 5-0, with 3 Knockouts. Alexander Sharonov falls to 12-6-2, with 6 Knockouts 

 

Undefeated 6’9 Heavyweight Ivan Dychko scored a first round knockout of veteran Denis Bakhtov. A perfectly timed right hook over a left jab put Bakhtov down on the canvas. The fight was stopped immediately without a count. Official time of the stoppage was 1:00 of round one. Ivan Dychko advances to 10-0, with 10 Knockouts. Denis Bakhtov falls to 39-19, with 26 Knockouts.

 

Super-Middleweight Dauren Yeleussinov scored a fifth round stoppage of Arman Rysbek. This fight saw both fighters having periods of effectiveness seemingly trading periods with one going on offense while the other stood back and covered up. During these periods both men had success landing combinations to the head and body. Yeleussinov would finally break through with a barrage of punches highlighted by a left uppercut through the guard of Rysbek in round five. Although Rysbek was stunned briefly, he did not go down, but after the round concluded, he opted to retire on his stool. Dauren Yeleussinov advances to 9-1-1, with 8 Knockouts. Arman Rysbek falls to 7-2, with 6 Knockouts.

 

Flyweight Kanagat Manatuly scored a ten round unanimous decision over Bekzhan Abubakir. Official scores were: 98-92, 97-93, and 96-94 in favor of Manatuly. Kanagat Manatuly advances to 6-1, with 4 Knockouts. Bekzhan Abubakir falls to 2-3, with 1 Knockout.

 

Jr. Welterweight Sagadat Rakhmankul scored a second round stoppage of Yersin Nurkenuly, who was making his professional debut. The bout was stopped at the conclusion of the second round. Sagadat Rakhmankul advances to 7-2, with 5 Knockouts. Yersin Nurkenuly falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Welterweight Ray Seitzhanov improved to 7-0 in his career with a third round stoppage of Maxim Churbanov. The bout was stopped at the conclusion of round three. Ray Seitzhanov advances to 7-0, with 4 Knockouts. Maxim Churbanov falls to 8-9-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Unbeaten Jr. Welterweight Rakhat Seitzhan scored a six round unanimous decision over Ruslan Baituov. Official scores were: 60-52, 60-53, and 59-54 in favor of Seitzhan. Rakhat Seitzhan advances to 6-0, with 3 Knockouts. Ruslan Baituov falls to 0-2, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Featherweight Aidos Medet improved to 7-0 in his career with a second round stoppage of Kostiantyn Stadnyk. Official time of the stoppage was 2:00 of round two. Aidos Medet advances to 7-0, with 5 Knockouts. Kostiantyn Stadnyk falls to 5-8-2, with 2 Knockouts. 

 

Welterweight Nurbol Sultanbay scored a first round stoppage of Umurbek Beknazarov Official time of the stoppage was 2:47 of round one. Nurbol Sultanbay advances to 5-1, with 2 Knockouts. Umurbek Beknazarov falls to 0-3, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Featherweight Yerzhan Zalilov scored a seventh round stoppage of previously undefeated Bagdat Uaydayev official time of the stoppage was 2:52 of round seven. Yerzhan Zalilov advances to 12-3-2, with 6 Knockouts. Bagdat Uaydayev falls to 5-1, with 1 Knockout.

 

While this card, which was promoted by MTK Global had a little of everything from highlight reel knockouts to tactical Boxing performances, the main takeaway from this card beyond prospects and contenders at various stages in their respective careers is just how truly global the sport of Boxing is and even in the midst of an ongoing global crisis, promotional entities such as MTK Global have continued to show the ability to adapt in uncertain times. Something that should be applauded by Boxing fans around the world because the reality is, if promoters are not able to adjust even under trying circumstances, the sport of Boxing and by extension all of combat sports cannot exist. As young fighters look to advance their careers with ambitions of winning world championships down the line, events such as this card are often crucial to a fighter’s development as well as providing boxers with valuable exposure that will hopefully help them as they look to take further steps towards the eventual goal of becoming world champions.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

 

 

            

 

McGregor KO’s Guerfi In 1 To Win European Bantamweight Championship

 Undefeated Bantamweight contender Lee McGregor scored a devastating first round knockout over European Bantamweight champion Karim Guerfi to win the European Bantamweight championship on Friday night at the Whites Hotel in Bolton, England. McGregor nearly ended the fight as quickly as it started dropping Guerfi with a flush left hook to the body that sent the champion down and kicking in pain. Guerfi was able to beat the count and got up at nine, but McGregor pressed forward with the calmness of a tiger stalking its prey. McGregor dropped Guerfi for a second time with another left hook to the body moments later. The champion again beat the count, but simply had no answer to keep McGregor off of him. A follow-up barrage sent Guerfi down for a third and final time in the round resulting in the fight being stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 2:43 of round one. Lee McGregor advances to 10-0, with 8 Knockouts. Karim Guerfi falls to 29-5, with 9 Knockouts.

 

 

Also on this card:

 

In a battle for the vacant British Lightweight championship Maxi Hughes scored a controversial eighth round knockout over Paul Hyland. A fight that was fought in close quarters from the outset, Hughes consistently landed the harder more accurate punches. The controversy came midway through round eight when Hyland appeared to go down from a body shot, but quickly got up and turned his back, Referee Mark Lyson appeared to instruct the two fighters to continue. Hughes rushed forward and landed a short right hand on Hyland, who still had his back turned knocking him down where he was subsequently counted out by Lyson. Hyland’s corner was irate with the stoppage, but as of this writing the call stands. Official time of the stoppage was 1:20 of round eight. Maxi Hughes advances to 23-5-2, with 5 Knockouts. Paul Hyland  falls to 20-3, with 7 Knockouts.

 

Jr. Welterweights Jamie Robinson and Billy Allington fought to an eight round draw. The bout was competitive from the start with both fighters having their share of moments throughout. Neither fighter however, was able to stand out clearly from the other in a bout that did not offer much in the way of highlights, but remained competitive. As all non-title bouts fought in the United Kingdom that do not have an impact on regional or world rankings are scored solely by the referee officiating a fight, Referee Howard Foster scored the bout even 57-57 resulting in the draw. Jamie Robinson advances to 10-4-2, with 3 Knockouts. Billy Allington advances to 8-1-3, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Jr. Middleweight Nathan Bendon outworked previously undefeated Eryk Apresyan over six rounds to earn a decision victory. The highlight of the fight came in round three when a barrage of punches had Apresyan badly stunned, but he managed to stay on his feet and survived the round. Although the fight remained close, the determining factor turned out to be a point deduction against Apresyan in round six for pushing and leaning, which he did throughout the bout. Referee Mark Lyson scored the bout in favor of Bendon by a single point 57-56. Nathan Bendon advances to 4-3-1, with 1 Knockout. Eryk Apresyan falls to 7-1, with 5 Knockouts.

 

Lightweight Sean Duffy advanced to 4-0 in his career by scoring a third round knockout of Paul Holt. A fight that saw several heated exchanges of punches between the two fighters, with Duffy mostly getting the better of the action, the end came when a combination of punches to the head and body of Holt sent him down for the count on one knee from what appeared to be a delayed reaction to a right hook to the body. Official time of the stoppage was 1:03 of round three. Sean Duffy advances to 4-0, with 2 Knockouts. Paul Holt falls to 7-10, with 2 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Jr. Featherweight prospect Shabaz Masoud began the evening by scoring a fourth round stoppage of veteran Louis Norman. Masoud implemented a tactical approach from the opening bell strategically placing his punches well to the body and gradually mixing offense to the head of Norman. It was this approach that resulted in a knockdown of Norman late in round three with a combination highlighted by a left hand to the head. In round four Masoud stepped up his pace and scored two knockdowns both with right hands to the jaw of Norman, which caused his corner to throw the towel in to save their fighter from further punishment. Official time of the stoppage was 1:12 of round four. Shabaz Masoud advances to 8-0, with 2 Knockouts. Louis Norman falls to 14-9-1, with 2 Knockouts.

 

 

This card, which was promoted by MTK Global, will possibly go down as being the night that a new star emerged on the scene in the sport that Boxing fans and experts around the world need to take notice of. While it is unusual to saw a fighter with only ten professional fights might be ready for a world championship bout, there is certainly no doubt that Lee McGregor’s performance in winning the European Bantamweight championship was both “Star-Making “ as well as “Statement-Making.” The type of performance that surely will have everyone in the sport paying attention to the what will be next for the new champion.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

 

 

Crocker Retains WBO European Championship

 

Undefeated WBO European Welterweight champion Lewis Crocker scored a hard fought ten round unanimous decision over former German Welterweight champion Deniz Ilbay on Friday night at the Bolton Whites Hotel in Bolton, England. An entertaining bout from the outset, the two fighters showed a willingness to stand and trade punches early. In round three, 

 

Crocker nearly ended the fight when he dropped Ilbay with a left hook to the body. Ilbay showed his mettle, was able to survive the round, and rocked Crocker with a right head to the head in the latter stages of the fourth round. Although Crocker was the consistently more active fighter throughout and continued to hurt Ilbay periodically, the former German Welterweight champion fought back immediately whenever he would get stunned by one of Crocker’s power shots. It was those power punches, greater activity, and having a knockdown of his opponent to his credit that allowed Crocker to earn a unanimous decision victory. Official scores were: 99-90, 97-93, and 97-92 in favor of Crocker. Lewis Crocker advances to 13-0, with 7 Knockouts. Deniz Ilbay falls to 22-3, with 10 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

In a battle for the vacant WBO European Lightweight championship undefeated Gary Cully scored a second round knockout over Viktor Kotochigov. A straight left hand to the head from the southpaw Cully dropped Kotochigov who was unable to beat the count. Official time of the stoppage was 2:14 of round two. Gary Cully advances to 12-0, with 6 Knockouts. Viktor Kotochigov falls to 12-2, with 5 Knockouts.

 

In the Jr. Lightweight division, undefeated former British Feather champion Issac Lowe overcame a cut over the left eye as a result of an accidental clash of heads in round three to earn a hard fought six round decision over Ed Harrison. As all non-title fights in the United Kingdom that do not have an impact on regional or world rankings are scored solely by the referee officiating a bout, Referee Michael Alexander scored the bout 60-55 in favor of Lowe. Issac Lowe advances to 21-0-3, with 6 Knockouts. Ed Harrison falls to 2-6, with 0 Knockouts. 

 

 

Jr. Middleweight Carl Fail scored a six round decision over previously unbeaten Jordan Dujon to begin his professional career. Fail was able to control the tempo of the combat from the opening bell and was effective in mixing his offense to the body and head. Although Dujon had success landing counter right hands periodically throughout, ultimately Fail’s better technique and punch placement were enough to earn the decision victory. Referee Robert Williams scored the fight 58-56 in favor of Fail. Carl Fail advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts. Jordan Dujon falls to 4-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Lightweight Mace Ruegg scored a four round decision over Levi Dunn. Referee Michael Alexander scored the bout 40-36 in favor of Ruegg. Mace Ruegg advances to 4-0, with 0 Knockouts. Levi Dunn falls to 0-3, with 0 Knockouts. 

 

Middleweight Jordan Reynolds began the evening by pounding out a six round decision over Robbie Chapman to make his professional debut Referee Robert Williams scored the bout 60-54 in favor of Reynolds. Jordan Reynolds advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts. Robbie Chapman falls to 6-7, with 0 Knockouts. 

 

This card, which was promoted by MTK Global provided a look at fighters beginning their careers as well as contenders and fighters battling for the European championship as recognized by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) in two weight classes.While many throughout the sport recognize the European championship governed by the European Boxing Union (EBU) as being the recognized version of the European championship due to its historical significance in the sport, the important factor for fighters like Lewis Crocker and Gary Cully as holders of the WBO version of the European championship, it will allow them an opportunity to potentially find themselves in position to fight for a WBO world championship in their respective weight classes if they can continue to win and retain their positions going forward.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison