By Alexey Sukachev
Russian cruiserweight champion Andrey Knyazev (12-2, 6 KOs) fought in his hometown of Voronezh for the first time in his professional career, and his homecoming, supported by local fans at Yubileyniy Sports Palace, was a success. Knyazev effectively neglected Ilya Rolgeyzer’s pressure to win a unanimous decision over ten rounds and to defend his belt for the second time.
Rolgeyzer falls down to 3-1.
Knyazev, 29, was originally scheduled to face former two-time world title challenger Yuri Barashyan, but the latter has pulled out. He is best known for his spirited effort against highly regarded WBO #2 cruiserweight Olexander Usyk in April. Knyazev fought hard against a much better opponent and stayed on his feet up until a mercy stoppage was issued by the referee in round eight.
Despite hot political tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Knyazev came back to Kiev in August to help Usyk in his preparations for the upcoming fight against Johnny Muller on Aug. 29.
In a main supportive bout, Russia-based Armenian Manvel Sargsyan (7-0, 4 KOs) stopped Georgia-based Armenian Ruben Movsesyan (17-14-1, 14 KOs) in four rounds.
The event was promoted by Andrey Kalaydzhan.