By Ruslan Chikov
On Tuesday at the Sport Complex Krylatskoe in Moscow, WBO middleweight champion Dmitry Pirog (20-0, 15KOs) retained his title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Nobuhiro Ishida (24-8-2, 9KOs). The scores were 119-109, 120-108 and 118-111.
Prior to the fight, Pirog expected a very difficult battle, but once the two fighters started mixing it up in the ring, the champion realized the fight was easier than he first expected.
Pirog is now looking toward an August showdown with IBF champion Daniel Geale of Australia.
"I knew that this fight would be a major test. I know that many of the top fighters refused to fight with Ishida. He is tall and unpleasant manner of warfare. I hope everyone enjoyed it. At least I had fun. Everything that we planned with my coach, I was able to implement," Pirog said to FE.
"Initially I thought it would be difficult. When the battle began, I realized that the Japanese fighter had more weaknesses than I expected. In general, it was easier than I expected. If I happen to meet him in the ring once again, I'm sure I would knock him out."
