By Ruslan Chikov

At the Sport Palace Yunost in Zaporozhye, Ukraine, Avtandil Khurtsidze (27-2-2, 16 KOs) won a close twelve round majority decision over Ossie Duran (26-10-2, 10 KOs) to capture the WBC's silver title at middleweight. The scores were 114:114 114:113 and 115:113. Duran's boxing skills were on display in this contest and he fought very well against his much much stronger foe. It took a few rounds for Khurtsidze to work his way into the fight, and his power was clear in the later rounds and had more effect when they found the target.