Mark Urvanov Saddled with Third Loss in Shocking Split Decision to Alex Rodriguez
Boxing returned to the RCC Boxing Academy as junior lightweight Mark Urvanov (20-3-1, 10 KO’s) battled Angel “Humildad” Rodriguez (19-1, 10 KO’s) in front of the prior’s home crowd. Rodriguez would pull off the upset via split decision.
Rodriguez went into hostile territory for the opportunity of fighting in the WBA title eliminator. Humildad was once a sparring partner for living legend Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao. He returned to the ring following his knockout victory in December 2020. Moreover, he is ranked #12 by the WBA and has not lost a fight since 2013.
Urvanov overcame losing his debut fight in 2015, and a second career defeat in 2018, before a seven-fight win streak landed the Russian in the title eliminator. Currently ranked #3 WBA and #6 WBO, he is in a prime position to fight for a championship. Equally important, he has not lost a fight whenever fighting at the RCC Boxing Academy. In 2020, the young contender captured the WBA Gold title to keep his WBO International belt company.
NO TIME TO BE TIMID
The Venezuelan started the fight by landing a hard right hand that hurt Urvanov, who had to gather himself and return fire. With so much on the line, this was no time to be conservative. Both fighters picked up the pace early.
Urvanov used that good footwork and right-hand counter to control the punch output of Rodriguez. Humildad was not going to be discouraged easily! He kept up the pressure by landing left hook counters to both the body and head. This fight turned into a chess match as both fighters used feints and tight defense, making it hard for something significant to land.
A CLOSE FIGHT FROM START TO FINISH
Both fighters brought their A-game, making the fight enjoyable to watch but hard to score. Urvanov used superior footwork to get inside where he landed a counter-right hook, and he started investing in a body attack.
Rodriguez had successfully landed the overhand right, catching the Russian coming in recklessly. However, he was slowing down a little as the bodywork was beginning to take a toll.
Urvanov was able to keep the pressure going by fighting at a high pace. He landed more hard body shots followed up by crisp uppercuts in close. Rodriguez started getting sloppy, throwing looping shots and leaving himself open for a one-two punch combination. However, he was able to land a few counter-left hooks and got the jab working again.
A SHOCKING RESULT!
Urvanov’s bodywork was paying dividends as he was able to be first and last during every exchange. Rodriguez seemed to be slowing down but fought hard until the final bell.
The judges’ scorecards shocked everyone watching the fight as they scored it 116-112, 115-113 Rodriguez via split decision, and 116-112 Urvanov. 3Kings Boxing agreed with the latter scorecard. What the other two judges saw is beyond this author, but Rodriguez will fight for the championship sometime this year.
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By: Garrisson Bland
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