Liakhovich (23-1, 14 KOs), of Scottsdale, Ariz., by way of Vitebsk, Belarus, won the last five rounds on one scorecard, the final four on another and three out of the last four rounds on the third scorecard to win his first world title.  Judge Phil Rogers scored it 117-110, Tom Miller had it 115-112, while Dana DePaolo tallied it 115-113.

“I answered Brewster every time,” Liakhovich said.  “Then, he felt my power.”

The new WBO heavyweight champion overcame a seventh-round trip to the canvas and utilized both a punishing left jab and overhand right to take control in the late stanzas.  After the bout, Liakhovich had nothing but praise for his counterpart.

“Brewster was a real great champion,” Liakhovich said.  “He hits real hard with power and has lots of will. After the fourth round, I knew I was controlling the fight, but Brewster hits like a mule.  I felt like I did the right thing when I took a knee at the end of round seven.  I almost sent him down twice, too.”

“I would love to fight Wladimir Klitschko. They say I’m scared in the Russian press. I am afraid of nobody.”

Brewster (33-3, 29 KOs), of Los Angeles, scored the lone knockdown when he sent Liakhovich to one knee with only seconds remaining in the seventh round.  Despite seeing his nine-bout winning streak come to an end, Brewster displayed the heart of a champion throughout and was gracious in defeat. 

“Liakhovich deserved to win,” Brewster said.  “He earned it.  I take my hat off to him.  He won and we have a rematch.  I cannot wait to do it again.  He fought a good fight and is a good fighter.  We both deserve to be at the top.

“I stayed on my feet in round nine from sheer will.” 

SHOWTIME broadcasters Steve Albert and Al Bernstein praised the heart displayed by both fighters.

“This was one of the best heavyweight championship fights in years,” Albert said.  “It was even more pronounced because it comes on the heels of recent heavyweight fights that have been lackluster.  Boxing needed this – an exciting, competitive and compelling heavyweight fight.  It clearly got it.” 

“Liakhovich gave a tremendously complete performance and he needed to,” Bernstein said.  “Brewster hit him with some tremendous punches.  This fight was not only exciting, but it was skillfully fought.  That is something we do not always see in the heavyweight division.

“I cannot wait for the rematch.”

UNDERCARD POST-FIGHT QUOTES
 
Ray Austin: "They don't recognize me but I'm the IBF No. 2 ranked contender. Byrd or Klitschko, either one I don't care. It's time for some rain and I'm gonna bring it."
 
Kevin McBride: “My timing was off a wee bit not having fought in 10 months but this man was not going to hurt me. I’m just glad to be back in action and fighting for Don King. Every fight I gain experience. I’m on the road to winning a world title. I want the Russian giant Nicolai Valuev.”
 
“I dedicate this fight to Charlie Ross, the Boston fight writer that died this week that gave me the name Clones Colossus.” 
 
BUDDY McGIRT: “I’m sorry Lamon lost the title but we’ll go back to the drawing board. We’ll be back.” 
 
KENNY WELDON (Sergei’s trainer):
 
“Sergei Liakhovich is the best boxing heavyweight in the world and he punches with power in both hands. He is a complete fighter that has come into his own. Remember, he did this to Lamon Brewster after a 16-month layoff.
 
IVAYLO GOTZEV (Sergei’s manager): I will personally send trucks to the doorsteps of the television networks and pay the dumping charges after they’re loaded with all of the older heavyweights so the public can see the new generation of heavyweights like Sergei and see for themselves what they have been missing.”