Going into this fight, despite the fact Frank Shabani was always going to come in weighing less, many thought this was to be a decent test for the rising star Baysangurov. However, a combination of Baysangurov's power, and either an injury or sheer lack of heart of Shabani made sure that fans weren't to get an even contest as originally anticipated.
Baysangurov vs. Shabani Round-by-Round
Shabani (153lbs) may have weighed in heavier than Baysangurov (152 1/2lbs), but the fact he was smaller was clear on the night. He started well though, moving well and rushing in with decent combinations.
This wasn't to continue though. In the second, Baysangurov upped his workrate, and was connecting with his previously elusive opponent more, utilising the jab to great effect.
Shabani's movement had virtually disappeared by the end of the third. In this session, he got caught by numerous left hooks, and a right hand near the end had him unsteady. After the round, he was telling his corner he wanted out, but they forced him to tough it out and carry on.
The fourth and fifth rounds were simple for Baysangurov. He continued to find his opponent with the greatest of ease, and after the fifth, in spite of his corner's wishes, Shabani told the referee to stop the fight. Therefore, the winner after retirement (which may have been due to an arm injury) was Zaurbek Baysangurov, who is still the WBA Intercontinental Light Middleweight Champion. His record is now 23-1 (17 KOs), and a European Title fight with Ryan Rhodes would certainly be interesting. On the other hand, Shabani's loss takes his 'scoresheet' to 18-2 (6 KOs), and a move down to welterweight must surely be imminent for him.
Undercard In Ukraine
Dmitry Nikulin (153 1/2lbs) captured the WBO European Light Middleweight Title on the card, despite the fact his opponent, Abdulaziz Matazimov (154 lbs) was from Uzbekistan. In the fight, the undefeated Nikulin utilised the jab well, and bamboozled Matazimov with combinations. The end came after 2:03 of the third, when a left hook to the body put the Khonobod resident to the floor, and he was therefore unwilling to rise. With his title win, Nikulin moves to 20-0 (7 KOs), while Matazimov drops to 10-4 (4 KOs).
Heavyweight Andrey Rudenko (247lbs) was less impressive in his win over Avaz Rustamov (235 1/4lbs). During the fight, he showed little variety, with the jab and right straight being his only weapons for the majority of the bout, and his defence was wide open most of the time, allowing Rustamov to land a few left hooks. If Rudenko (now 16-0 1NC (9 KOs)) moves up a level, he will surely be found out. Rustamov, who was a poor opponent for a relatively experienced, unbeaten prospect decreases to 2-4 (1 KO).
Sergey Fedchenko (141 3/4lbs) didn't have it all his own way against Sherzodbek Mamajanov (141 1/2lbs), but he managed to earn a points win. To his credit, Mamajanov was a tricky customer, and very tough. However, the classy skills and patience of Fedchenko shone through in the end, and as the fight wore on, he was the one landing the quality shots. The game Mamajanov has therefore dropped to 8-3-4 (5 KOs), while world ranked Fedchenko improves to 24-1 (11 KOs).
