Intense weekend of action with Baku Fires ensuring top spot in Group B after a scintillating display against Leipzig Leopards, Mexico City Guerreros clinical against out of sorts Istanbul Bosphorus and a real nail-biter in the Kazak capital as Astana Arlans vs. Dynamo Moscow is decided in the last round of the last bout. Bollywood then shows Hollywood who is king at the box office as Venky’s Mumbai Fighters delight their home crowd by crushing the Los Angeles Matadors.
Thrashing of the week
After recording two successive away victories after their first week mauling of the Beijing Dragons, Baku Fires faced a real test of their credentials as Leipzig Leopards came to town to fight for top spot in Group B. The visitors from Germany had travelled with some experienced boxers, including Irish duo Keny Egan and Con Sheehan, with a view to causing an upset. However the exuberant Baku Fires were in no mood to take prisoners as they bulldozed their way past their rivals with Abdulhamidov, Grivachev, Vesialou, Magomedau and Abdullayev all clear winners in their bouts, all winning on points in a tremendous show of discipline and hard-work. The Azeri outfit must now be considered one of the favourites for the overall WSB Championship after this sumptuous 5:0 defeat of the Leipzig Leopards. With amongst their ranks the on-watching Heavyweight powerhouse Magomedrasul Medzhidov, the Baku Fires have the strength in-depth to push for honours on all fronts. Watch this space.
Bollywood vs. Hollywood verdict
Still finding their feet in the competition, the Venky’s Mumbai Fighters are however on a mission to spread the gospel of boxing throughout India with a first in WSB as their clash with the Los Angeles Matadors took place in the T-Box mobile arena at the In-Orbit Mall. With spectators streaming in to witness firsthand the boxing show on offer, those lucky enough to get seats were treated to a festival of quality fights. Showman Siddharth Varma had the crowds in delirium early on after earning victory over hard-working Eric Fowler as the Mumbai team set the early pace. Promising Irishman Patrick Gallagher efficiently dispatched the experienced and much taller Russell Lamour to ensure an unassailable 3:0 lead for the home team. Paul Gene Koon III then wrapped up the evening’s proceedings with an excellent display of his own as the Venky’s Mumbai Fighters celebrated a resounding 5:0 victory. With the Astana Arlans up next, the Franchise from India will look to once again wow their home supporters and build on this excellent display.
Fortress Foro Polanco
The Mexico City Guerreros continue to be irresistible at home after making light work of the out-of-sorts Istanbul Bosphorus. With three TKOs by Elias Emigdio, Mladen Manev and the impressive Francisco Javier Ortega, the Mexican outfit was just too strong for the visiting team. The atmosphere at the Foro Polanco is daunting for any team and the Guerreros have really capitalised on this and under the careful guidance and tutelage of Head Coach Francisco Bonilla, the team has developed a real steel and determination. On the other hand Istanbul Bosphorus are suffering from a lack of confidence that does not bode well for their next match, let’s hope they can get it right next week when they host the Beijing Dragons.
Fighter of the week
Paul Gene Koon III really made his mark this weekend after showboating his way to victory in an electric performance for the Venky’s Mumbai Fighters against Javier Torres of the Los Angeles Matadors. With the overall win ensured for his team, Koon played to the crowd, making sure the fans got a taste for more WSB, by taunting his opponent and showing fancy footwork to record a comprehensive points victory against the seasoned American Torres. Koon, nicknamed ‘The Machine’, really got the fans at the In-Orbit Mall screaming for more and he will now surely draw in even more crowds with his explosive style.
Looking forward to next week
With the last round of matches before the winter break, Leipzig Leopards will look to put their Baku defeat behind them when they welcome reigning champions Paris United at the Maritim Hotel. Huge clash at the Mediolanum Forum with the sublime Dolce & Gabbana Milano Thunder hosting the tough Dynamo Moscow before the Mexico City Guerreros travel to the Azeri capital to face in-form Baku Fires. Last but not least, in aid and support of the victims of flooding in Thailand and raising money for SOS Children’s Villages, Bangkok Elephants make their long-awaited debut in the competition against the Los Angeles Matadors in Hollywood.
The Bangkok Elephants vs. Dolce & Gabbana Milano Thunder tie was cancelled due to the widespread flooding in Thailand. Due to the unavailability of Paris’ venue, the Paris United vs. Beijing Dragons is postponed to 31 January 2012.
