Artur Beterbiev powers by Oleksandr Gvozdyk to unify WBC and IBF light heavyweight titles.
In the battle of unbeaten light heavyweight champions who would reign supreme? Artur Beterbiev (14-0, 14KO) had already bested Oleksandr Gvozdyk (17-0, 14KO) in the amateurs. Could he do it again?
In the opening round of this highly anticipated championship clash, the WBC champion came out quickly, establishing himself as he immediately got his jab working to set the distance.
Meanwhile the powerful IBF champion would come out as he normally does in full pressure mode, himself trying to set up an uncomfortable close range encounter.
In the waning seconds of round one controversy would ensue as the referee would rule a clear takedown by Beterbiev of Gvozdyk a knockdown. However, the head of the Philadelphia State Athletic Commission would rightfully overrule it.
Round two was a big round for Gvozdyk as he would really start to let his hands go firing off thudding combinations. Mixing up his attack with body shots, the WBC champion would include intelligent movement.
Beterbiev would start to fight himself back in the fight in round number three as he would slowly close the distance and fire off his signature powerful right hand. However, as many fans are used to seeing him use it up-top, he would utilize it to the body of his opponent to keep him from utilizing movement.
This would be key later in the fight!
Rising Up!
Beterbiev would start to take over in round six! At one point, a right hand to the body was clearly felt as the WBC champion would quickly retreat backwards.
However, Gvozdyk wouldn’t exit round six without an response of his own. In the midst of an exchange a nicely placed right hand by Gvozdyk would wobble Beterbiev as the action would heat up at the rounds conclusion!
Round nine was huge for Beterbiev! He would absolutely just pour it on devastating body shots repeatedly to a cleary hurt Gvozdyk. Attempts to hold went unsuccessful as the IBF champion simply wouldn’t allow it.
The conclusion
After a dominating round nine, Beterbiev would continue his onslaught as he absolutely took it to the other champion. A shot to the body followed by a combination to the head would start the downfall of Gvozdyk as he would succumb to the power for the first knockdown.
He had been taking punishment to the body over the last 5 rounds and finally had to take a knee.
Seeing how tired the WBC champion was showed the knockout was sure to come. Another right hand would secure the second knockdown then a left hook would finish the job as the referee would jump in and stop the fight.
A new unified light heavyweight champion has emerged in a division that has become very interesting.
At the time of the stoppage, two of the three judges had Gvozdyk up 87-84, 86-85 while the third judge had it for Beterbiev 87-83. 3kingsboixng.com had Gvozdyk up 86-85 as well.
In the post fight interveiew, Top Rank chairman Bob Arum claimed the new unified champion would return February 2 in China!
It’ll be interesting to see what and who comes of that statement from Arum. Will it be WBA champion Dmitry Bivol or IBF #1 contender Meng Fanlong? We will see!
By: Jerrell Fletcher
