Magnificent Mathieu Bauderlique knocks out Ehsan Rouzbahani to become APB Light Heavyweight Champion
Moscow, Russia was treated to one of the greatest boxing matches of the year on Friday night, where Mathieu Bauderlique (FRA) sensationally knocked out APB’s defending Light Heavyweight Champion Ehsan Rouzbahani (IRI).
Rouzbahani had previously defeated Bauderlique last December, but was shocked by the energy and power from the challenger in their rematch.
After an opening round of blistering action which saw both men attack with fierce intensity, the momentum of the bout swung dramatically in the second frame.
Wearing the colours of France on his shorts, Bauderlique dropped Rouzbahani in the first minute of the round with a short left hook reminiscent of a prime Mike Tyson.
The brave Iranian returned to his feet before the count had been completed, and managed to survive the round despite a continued onslaught from the Frenchman.
Just as Bauderlique was getting comfortable, the tide turned again in the third frame when he too was knocked down following a big right hand from the resilient Rouzbahani.
Each man continued to force the pressure in the middle stages of the bout, where the defending Champion consistently snapped hard shots to the body, while the aspiring title holder continued to threaten with his lethal left hand.
Bauderlique’s previous three opponents had all failed to hear the final bell in APB, and that record advanced to four following the eighth round in Moscow, when yet another left hook heavily dropped his bloodied rival.
Just as he had before, the valiant Rouzbahani rose off the canvas, but was in no position to continue, and the referee stopped the bout 71 seconds into the eighth round.
It was a much needed knock out, as just one point separated the two fighters on all three scorecards, and the two warriors both shared their respect after the phenomenal bout had finished.
Finally, a delighted Bauderlique received his belt and officially became the second French Champion in APB history.
Aleksey Egorov retains his APB Heavyweight Championship after third victory over Clemente Russo
The Heavyweight (91 kg) installment of the APB World Championship Matches was held on Friday night in Moscow, Russia where home star Aleksey Egorov (RUS) successfully defended his title against Clemente Russo (ITA).
Egorov had previously defeated Russo twice in APB, and claimed his third triumph after the two-time AIBA World Champion was forced to pull out of the bout at the beginning of the sixth round following an injury to his midsection.
Russo came out to the ring to the sounds of Madonna, and proceeded to use swift footwork, solid left hands and immaculate timing to win the first round on two scorecards.
The Russian Champion rallied in the second round however, and the accuracy of his attacks began to frustrate the constantly moving Italian challenger.
Both men had success with hooks throughout the opening rounds, but it was always Egorov who was getting the better of the exchanges.
His power stunned Russo on several occasions, and he won the fourth and fifth rounds across the board to the delight of the loud audience in Moscow.
The bell had barely rung in the sixth round before Russo was examined by Dr Thorsten Dolla at ringside, and a decision was made to remove the Italian from the contest as a result of his injury.
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