| |
|
Steve Gago gunning for rematch after dropping controversial decision against Nursultan Zhangabayev
PhilBoxing.com Fri, 16 Aug 2019

Steve Gago produced arguably a career-best display this week as many saw him beating former Kazak amateur standout Nursultan Zhangabayev in a fight which had the WBA Inter-Continental, WBO Global and IBF Australiasian Welterweight title on the line.
In a fight which saw a lot of scrappy tactics and points deducted, the vast majority ringside including Australian boxing legends Jeff Fenech and Barry Michael seeing the fight in favour of Gago, who visibly landed the cleaner work throughout but didn't get the judges nod, despite the Kazak conceding 3 point deductions due to low blows.
Gago weighed in on the fight itself and discussed the possibilities of a rematch. He said, "Firstly congratulations to Zhangabayev. Even though I don't agree with the decision I respect the judge's decision. He is a top-class fighter but I showed that I am at that level where he is and that is in the world top 15.
"I would love a rematch as I felt I won the fight. I landed more clean shots and that's what you have to do to win the fight at the end of the day. I believe there is definitely unfinished business and if I have to travel to his adopted home of Sydney or Kazakstan it doesn't really matter I'm willing to do it as I want to prove that I have the ability to compete for world titles."
Zhangabayev was a product of the same amateur system as Gennady Golovkin, and Gago's manager Tony Tolj also gave his take on the night's proceedings.
He said, "I personally felt that Steve won the fight. The Kazak kid has a great pedigree and I believe Steve showed that he is at that top level and I'm very proud of his performance. There were 3 point deductions for low blows, very unlucky not to get a DQ win, but thats boxing
"I would welcome a rematch if the offer was right for Steve I mirror his thoughts in saying that there is unfinished business there. They are both quality fighters and I'm sure the rematch would be more explosive as they both know each other now, and it would be a fight where there would be once again, no losers."
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
WBC declares German Agit Kabayel new WBC heavyweight champion after Usyk relinquishes his title By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 28 Jun 20264th Gov. RST MMA Slugfest on July 3 By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 28 Jun 2026Chezka Centeno ready for world 10-ball title defense By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis: Breakout Moment in Brooklyn By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026GAB Must Look Into Exploitation of Rated Filipino Fighters in Japan By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026TITLE FIGHT ON: Zayas and "Boots" Ennis Hit the Scales for Brooklyn Super-Welterweight Showdown By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026USC's Galen Center confirmed as Martinez-Plantic, Lopez-Carrillo venue August 29, live on ProBoxTV , Sat, 27 Jun 2026July 4: Albert Bell Steps In to Challenge Abdullah Mason in All-Ohio WBO Lightweight World Title Showdown at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center LIVE on TNT and DAZN , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Zamboanga relinquishes her ONE Women’s title By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Top-ranked Charly Suarez facing Manuel Avila, plus two more fights added to July 18 ProBoxTV event , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Yanon fights Kaji in Tokyo on July 4 By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Preparations underway for 2026 IBA men’s divisional continental championships , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Highland Boxing Promotions Presents "Warrior Showdown" in Bangkok on June 27 By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Usyk reportedly considering retirement but could face Kabayel before the year ends By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Luke Littler and Ben Whittaker join forces as Matchroom Sport takes over New York City , Thu, 25 Jun 2026IOC Announces $10,000 'Fit for the Future' Grant for All Qualifying Olympians, Including Boxers By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Boxers did it first: IBA President welcomes IOC’s decision on allocating funds among athletes , Thu, 25 Jun 2026PH national now ready for Asia-Oceania Sambo By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026UFC TITLE CHALLENGER IAN MACHADO GARRY JOINS MATCHROOM TALENT AGENCY AS EDDIE HEARN LAUDS 'SUPERSTAR' SIGNING , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Fathers in the boxing world By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan arrive for Asia & Oceania Sambo Tournament By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Mexican Hall of Fame Legend Carlos Zarate undergoes surgery in Mexico By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026IM Arca to see action in 28th Asian Youth Chess Championships 2026 in Shenzhen,China By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Lenar Perez to Face Former Two-Time World Title Challenger Thabiso Mchunu, with Fendero-Fondjo as Co-Feature on September 3 in Montreal! , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Gustavo Trujillo'S Remarkable Journey Continues as Reigning Bkb Heavyweight Champion Climbs the Pro Boxing Ranks , Wed, 24 Jun 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|