Potapov Plans More U.S. Fights After Win In Brooklyn

Brooklyn, NY--You wanted action, you got it at the latest "Brooklyn Brawl" card promoted by Salita Promotions, which ran Thursday evening at the Aviator complex in Mill Basin, Brooklyn, NY.

World rated prospect Nikolay Potapov 14-0 of Podolsk, Russia made an impressive US debut as he controlled every minute of the bout against the experienced Pedro Melo of Mexico. 

Potapov hurt Melo on several occasions but the experienced Melo used his experience to survive in the 10 round contest. All three scorecards had it 100-90 for Potapov, who relained unbeaten.  

"Fighting in NYC was a great experience," Potapov said of his latest win. "I am greatful to all the fans that came out the media that showed me support and to my promoters PBL and Salita Promotions who did an outstanding job in introducing me to the US boxing community."  

Every bout featured high-volume trading, and fans were treated to a solid rumble in the main event. 

Physical marvel Alicia Ashley used deft footwork, crisp combos and superior ring generalship to take a 10-round unanimous decision win over Ireland's Christina McMahon. 

For her effort, the Jamaican-born Brooklyn resident, 48 years young, not only picks up the WBC super bantamweight world title, but she will get her entry in the Guinness Book of World Records refreshed, as the oldest female to hold a world title in the boxing sphere. 

"History was made on "Brooklyn Brawl," in a very entertaining fight for WBC title with Ashley (23-10-1) and McMahon (7-1)," said promoter Dmitriy Salita. 

Other standouts included Brooklyn welterweight Mikkel Lespierre, who had a strong test in front of him, in Philly's Evincci Dixon. "Slikk Mikk" is a sharp-shooting lefty who went to 11-0-1 with a UD4. Welterweight Giorgi Gelashvilli (3-0; living in Brooklyn)  dominated Rashad Bogar UD4), from New Jersey; Puerto Rican Emilio Salas (4-1-1), a cruiserweight, pot-shotted in-your-face Eric George, and the ref saw enough, calling a TKO in round four. 

Bakhtiyar Eyubov, an all-action junior middleweight, scored a TKO1 win over Antonio Fernandes from Massachusetts, when he hit him to the body. Fernandes said it was low, and told the ref he couldn't continue. 

"I was pleased with the effort from all the boxers," said Salita. "We encourage boxing fans to attend our live events, the atmosphere was last night and always is amazing!"