Boxing fans were treated to three world title bouts at the tail end of September 2014, all taking place north of the Middleweight division.
First off, Arthur Abraham put his WBO Super Middleweight title on the line when he took on England’s Paul Smith in Kiel, Germany. Smith, a heavy underdog who had recently fought mostly at domestic level, won the title challenger lottery when the fight came to fruition.
The Englishman showcased an iron will and refused to be backed up by the stronger Abraham during the fight, and for that he deserves credit. Abraham looked the more dominant force, however, by governing the ring with a good jab and landing the more telling blows. The veteran won the contest by Unanimous Decision, and will be returning the belt back to Germany following scorecards tallied at 117-111, 119-109, 117-111.
Post fight, Smith, along with his corner and promoter Eddie Hearn, voiced their anger at the bout’s outcome. Smith claimed he had done enough to edge a decision – or at least a draw – and also criticized scorecard totals he felt were incredibly misleading.
There may be some truth in this; Smith’s successes could’ve translated better on at least one of the scorecards provided by Fernando Laguna, who called it 119-109. This was not a judging master class by any means. But we’re talking about two (possibly three?) questionable rounds, tops – not a result-changing figure. (Abraham vs Smith Highlights)
Smith fought spiritedly, but most observers would agree he wasn’t particularly dominant and left question marks hanging over too many rounds. Had he forced the action more, the scorecards would have likely revealed this. The bottom line is that even if the ‘Magoo’ hadn’t been made, Smith still wouldn’t have won, let alone come close to a draw.
Smith stated that he’s now going to appeal the decision with the WBO. He may be wasting his breath, however, as bouts are rarely re-scored by sanctioning bodies, and even more rarely overturned. In which case it would be best to push for a rematch, not by hassling the WBO, but by amicably working something out with Abraham and his team. The champion, if he considers the notion, should not feel obligated to setup a second encounter.
Whatever happens, Smith should be proud having now quieted his detractors by not only going beyond the first few rounds, but by making it an entertaining fight. Abraham’s record now extends to 41 wins, 28 knockouts, with 4 losses, while a dejected Smith returns home carrying 35 wins, 20 knockouts, and 4 losses.
In Moscow, Russia, Girgory Drozd upset Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in their Cruiserweight encounter, leaving the ring with the WBC world strap. Drozd’s dominating performance, which included an 8th round knockdown of Wlodarczyk, led to a Unanimous Decision after scores of 118-109 and 119-108 (twice) were announced. Drozd climbs to 39 wins, 27 knockouts, with 1 loss, while Wlodarczyk falls to 49 wins, 35 knockouts, 3 losses, and 1 draw.
Also in Moscow, Russia, Denis Lebedev showed little desire for overtime when he stopped then unbeaten challenger Pawel Kolodziej in the final minute of the 2nd round. The win retained Lebedev’s WBA Cruiserweight title, showcasing his natural raw power. Lebedev’s record now reads 26 wins, 20 knockouts, with 2 losses, while Kolodziej’s record contains a single blemish, reading 33 wins, 18 knockouts and 1 loss.
What did you think about Abraham vs Smith and the weekend’s other boxing results? Was the Brit robbed? Or simply out-boxed by the Champion? And what about a rematch? – necessary or unwarranted?
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