By Alexey Sukachev
Alexey Vasilyev and Evgueny Vainstein of the Ural Boxing Promotions came back to the boxing activities in their citadel of Chelyabinsk and did that in style, forming a nice-packed little tourney today at the Traktor Ice Palace.
In the main event, WBC #14 cruiserweight Murat Gassiev scored the most important win of his young career, outpointing rugged Belgian veteran Imsail Abdoul (51-28-2, 19 KOs) inanimously over twelve. The fight was rather tight, with both boxers having their chances. Abdoul, as always, was a slow starter and was too much on the defensive. However, his rare offensive bursts were still effective. Otherwise, the 20-year old native of Vladikavkaz was in firm control. Scores were quite scattered: 120-108, 117-111 and 115-113 - all for the Russian fighter, who acquired the IBF East/West Europe 200lb belt. Gassiev is now 15-0, with 9 KOs.
Rising 21-year old Russian welterweight Konstantin Ponomarev got the better of tough Argentinean Ramon de la Cruz Sena (16-10-2, 9 KOs) over ten rounds. De la Cruz came as a late sub for the American Hector Munoz, was durable but went down in round five. The fight was completely in favour of Ponomarev, which was reflected well on the judges' scorecards: 100-89 (twice) and 100-90.
Finally, comebacking heavyweight Murad Halidov (10-0, 5 KOs) stopped no-hoper Cedrak Agagulyan (1-27-1) in three. Khalidov, still 25, fought for the first time in four years.