By Alexey Sukachev and Dmitry Mikhalchuk

Avtandil Khurtsidze (23-2-2, 13 KOs), quite possibly the best ever Georgian prizefighter in the history of boxing, accomplished his old dream to become a world champion at the Palace of Sports in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital and its biggest city. WBA #1 ranked middleweight Khurtsidze grabbed a vacant IBO 160lb title with a tough and rough twelve-round decision over rugged and durable Pole Mariusz Cendrowski (21-3-2, 8 KOs).

The ultra short (standing just 5’4”) but well-built into a powerful frame Georgian slugger applied his trademark aggression to continuously stalk Cendrowski all over the ring. However, the Polish technician, who represented his country in 2000 Sydney Olympics, countered well often landing uppercuts and jabs to frustrate the local hero. The first couple of rounds were pretty even but then Khurtsidze started to dominate his opponent with his activity and power.

Oppositely, the fourth and the fifth stanzas were slightly in Mariusz’s favor but in round six, the Georgian battler almost tore Cendrowski’s head off with a well-timed left cross; however, the Pole survived the onslaught without going down. In the ninth stanza he had even caught a second wind to land some crisp shots of his own. Championship rounds were also even but Khurtsidze landed some flush left hooks to rock Cendrowski a couple of times.

BoxingScene’s Dmitry Mikhalchuk scored the fight 116-112 – for Khurtsidze, who fought for the first time since his highly controversial loss to WBA Interim champion Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam in his previous fight