The much anticipated World Series of Boxing (WSB) second season began in style this weekend. Five matches over three days with fifteen high end bouts to savour. The two new teams made their mark in the competition, introducing some promising boxers to the ring. Some old scores were settled. The action did not disappoint.
The match of the week
In the weekend’s grudge match between last year’s semi-finalists, Los Angeles Matadors set the record straight against the Astana Arlans as they avenged their previous defeat by triumphing 3-2. Captain Rau’shee Warren closed proceedings with a win for the Matadors. The Arlans went 2-0 up but LA Fought back and it was then all to play for in the final fight of the evening as Warren made his mark. It was also redemption time for Javier Torres who overcame the challenge of Kazak newcomer Doszhan Ospanov to win his Heavyweight contest, ensuring a perfect the night for the spectators at the packed Music Box in the heart of Hollywood.
One to watch
It was the Leipzig Leopards’ fledgling German prospect Artur Bril, the current AIBA Youth World Champion and Youth Olympic gold medallist, who really stood out this weekend. The youngster seamlessly transitioning from youth amateur boxing to the ranks of seasoned professional. Overall the debutant Leipzig Franchise will be very pleased with its night’s work, a resounding 4-1 win over an accomplished Mexico City Guerreros team. Group B now promises to be anything but straightforward.
Sensation of the week
The Baku Fires have been training hard and the experience of having scouted the best boxers around at the AIBA World Boxing Championships helped them immensely in their preparations. Quiet optimism could be found in the camp in the build-up to the WSB season and this was translated into a thunderous first victory in the ring against the Wuxi Dragons. Four Azeris and one Tajik inflicted a humiliating defeat on the visiting team from China, ensuring a five star show for the crowds as the Baku Fires triumphed 5-0 in Group B.
Comeback of the week
Reigning champions Paris United looked like they would start their campaign with a defeat, however after falling 0-2 behind their fighters rallied to overturn the deficit and record a 3-2 win against Istanbul Bosphorus. Croatian Heavyweight Filip Hrgovic sending the crowds at the Stade Pierre-de-Coubertin into raptures after stopping his opponent in the third round of the final fight of the evening’s proceedings. Next up for the French team, a visit to Foro Polanco to face the Mexico City Guerreros.
Newcomer watch
The Mumbai Fighters put on a real welcome show for their big entrance in the competition. Huge crowds were present in Pune to support the Indian Franchise. The odds were stacked against them in this season opener as they faced the Dolce & Gabbana Milano Thunder. The fans were treated to some exceptional boxing throughout but unfortunately it was the visiting team who made the difference in the final fight with WSB Individual World Champion Clemente Russo overpowering Krishan Kumar to inflict a narrow 3-2 defeat on the newcomers. The Mumbai Fighters will have taken great heart from their performance and will look forward to their next match in Group A as they travel to Perm to face Dynamo Moscow.
