Unbeaten Jr. Welterweight prospect Sergey Lipinets added another victory to his resume by scoring an impressive fifth round knockout over Levan Ghvamichava on Tuesday night at the Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino in Nice, CA. In what was a competitive bout, both fighters had their share of moments and neither was able to stand out clearly from the other in the early rounds.
As the fight progressed Lipinets was able to work effectively behind his jab and land power punches using a systematic approach in his attack. Although Ghvamichava was almost matching Lipinets punch for punch in the early rounds, he was sporadic with his offense as the fight went on.
Lipinets was able to mix in some combinations as the fight progressed and was able to bring the fight to an end in round five when he connected with a devastating left hook to the body of Ghvamichava. Ghvamichava appeared to be in excruciating pain as a result of the shot to the body was unable to beat the count. Official time of the stoppage was 1:40 of round five.
Sergey Lipinets advances to 9-0, with 7 Knockouts. Levan Ghvamichava falls to 16-2-1, with 12 Knockouts.
Also on this card, in the Welterweight division unbeaten prospect Kevin Watts scored a fifth round knockout over Michal Chudecki. Watts was in control of this fight from the opening bell and dropped Chudecki with a beautiful right hand/left hook combination in the fifth round. Although Chudecki was able to beat the count, he had no resistance as Watts continued to dish out punishment until the fight was finally stopped by Referee Edward Collantes. Official time of the stoppage was 2:01 of round five.
Kevin Watts advances to 11-0, with 4 Knockouts. Michal Chudecki falls to 11-3-1, with 3 Knockouts.
In the Super-Middleweight division unbeaten prospect Sergiy Derevyanchenko picked up his eighth career victory in as many fights as he scored an eighth round stoppage over a very “Game” Mike Guy. Several of the rounds in this fight were very close and competitive with Guy, who took the fight on one week notice showing that he had come to fight.
As the fight progressed however, Derevyanchenko found a home for his left hook as he was able to land it effectively to the body of Guy as well as landing uppercuts to the head. In the eighth and final round Derevyanchenko caught up with his “Game” opponent as he dropped guy with a solid right hand to the head. Guy was able to beat the count, but was floored for a second time moments later as a result of a follow-up barrage by Dereyanchenko. Guy showing his mettle was able to beat the count for the second time, but the bout was stopped shortly after the bout resumed following the second knockdown by Referee Michael Margado.
Sergiy Derevyanchenko advances to 8-0, with 6 Knockouts. Mike Guy falls to 8-2-1, with 4 Knockouts.
In other bouts *:
Leduan Barthelemy (9-0, 5 Knockouts) KO1 over Pedro Melo (14-13-2, 7 Knockouts) Official time: 259 of round one.
*A scheduled eight round Jr. Lightweight bout between undefeated prospect Mario Barrios 14-0, 8 Knockouts) and Erick Martinez (11-4-1, with 5 Knockouts) did not take place. Although both fighters weighed in for the bout on Monday, the fight was cancelled hours before the card, which was televised in the U.S. by Fox Sports 1 took place. The reason for the cancellation stems from Martinez, who weighed in at 136lbs. failing to make the contractually agreed upon weight limit of 132lbs. As of this writing there is no word if there will be an attempt to reschedule the bout at some point in the near future.
As has been the norm for the Premier Boxing Champions series, this card featured a look at three undefeated rising prospects. Although Sergey Lipinets, Kevin Watts, and Sergiy Derevyanchenko are still relatively young in their respective careers, the television exposure this card provided them will likely benefit all three as they look to continue to climb up the ranks.
An interesting conundrum that will probably be present for the handlers of all three fighters will be just how quickly each fighter will move up the ladder of contention. Although it is logical to assume that each is not nearing world title contention at least in the immediate future, if all three can continue to win as they progress it would not surprise this observer to see any of the three knocking on the door of world title contention within a year or two years from now. The only question that I have in mind is who will each fighter be put in against in the meantime that will determine if either is ready to face a fighter who is considered a top contender.
“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”
The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.
