In addition to the entertaining Premier Boxing Champions card in Texas, there were a number of other bouts unfolding this weekend. Before Omar Figueroa decisioned Ricky Burns and Jamie McDonnell edged Tomoki Kameda, European action was getting underway.
In Frankfurt, Germany, rising star Fedor Chudinov left the arena with a Split Decision over former Middleweight titlist Felix Sturm. Both men put in strong performances, but it was Chudinov who looked the stronger, fresher of the two. Being 9 years younger than his veteran opponent no doubt had its advantages.
After receiving scores of 118-110, 112-116 twice, the 27-year-old Russian picks up the vacant Super Middleweight title. Chudinov’s record now stands at 13 wins, 10 knockouts, no losses, while Sturm’s falls to 39 wins, 18 knockouts, 5 losses, 3 draws. Sadly, Sturm’s powers in the sport appear to be slipping following his career-boosting stoppage of Darren Barker in 2013. See Chudinov vs Sturm Post Fight Reactions.
Chief support included Jack Culcay who won a Unanimous Decision over Maurice Weber. Despite suffering a knockdown in the 3rd round, Culcay bounced back to earn scores of 115-112, 116-111, 118-110. The German native also picks up the vacant Interim WBA Junior Middleweight title as he extends his record to 20 wins, 10 knockouts, 1 loss.
In Birmingham, England, Junior Bantamweight prospect Khalid Yafai wasted no time in dispatching journeyman Issac Quaye. The scheduled 8-rounder came to an end shortly after a Yafai left-hook dropped Quaye in the opener. The win plumps Yafai’s record to 15 wins, 10 knockouts, no losses.
British heavyweight hope Anthony Joshua was all business as usual on the undercard. The 6′ 6″ Olympian took out Raphael Love in the early stages after dropping him in the 2nd round. A full-blooded right-hand was to thank.
At just 25-years-old, equipped with refined amateur pedigree and a powerhouse physique, ringside judges really need not apply in bouts of this nature. BoxingBase.com has no doubt the young fighter is the real deal, but it’s about time his management pushed him towards a more capable opponent.
That could well be seasoned Kevin Johnson who’s set for May 30th in London. This encounter could go the distance, or at least a few more rounds given Johnson’s skill set. In recent times, the 36-year-old has taken both Tyson Fury and Derek Chisora the distance, and is yet to be knocked out in his professional career. That could be about to end.
Also featuring on the night’s card was Sam Eggington who scored a 7th round stoppage of Joseph Lamptey. Eggington picked up the vacant Commonwealth Welterweight strap, and climbs to 15 wins, 9 knockouts, 2 losses.
What did you think of Chudinov vs Sturm and the weekend’s European action? Let us know in the comments!
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