Philippines, 20 Nov 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


A night to remember for Ukraine against Azerbaijan (5-0)

PhilBoxing.com


Lausanne, Switzerland, 22 March 2013 - Absolutely irresistible in front of 7,000 people at the Palace of Sports in Kyiv, the Otamans have probably secured a decisive advantage against Azerbaijan Baku Fires in the first leg of this World Series of Boxing (WSB) quarter-final. Approaching the return leg next Saturday with a lot of confidence and their team' captain Vasyl Lomachenko, Ukrainians are on the best possible way to the Final Four.

The evening started perfectly for the host Franchise with a shock at Bantamweight (50-54kg). Despite the huge experience of Individual Champion Gairbek Germakhanov, the offensive style of Ukraine Mykola Butsenko made the difference in a very enjoyable fight. Running after the score the entire five rounds, the Azeri did not escape from a second loss in his WSB career, the first one this season.

Entertaining the crowds as much as he impresses his opponent, Denys Berinchyk however had a pretty tough second WSB bout against Hurshid Tojibaev at Lightweight (57-61kg). Clearly dominated in the first round, the London 2012 silver medallist seemed to find a better rhythm in the following minutes and imposed his aggressive style all the way to the final gong. His face was expressing relief when he was declared the winner.

Competing at Middleweight (68-73kg), facing Azeri star Khaybula Musalov, Otamans' revelation Dmytro Mytrofanov has tonight confirmed that he is one of the best boxers in the league. Following three tactical rounds, with both fighters landing very few punches, the last six minutes offered the public an impressive and tireless battle. More precise and efficient than his opponent, Mytrofanov finally saw his arm raised at the end of the bout, offering the overall victory to his team.

Having in mind the complicated return leg next week in Baku, Light Heavyweight (80-85kg) Oleksandr Gvozdyk then stepped into the ring to compete against unbeaten Moldovan Vladimir Cheles. In the fifth round of what was so far the closest bout of the night, the Ukrainian London 2012 bronze medallist managed to land a powerful left hook that sent Cheles to the canvas and offered a fourth point to the host Franchise.

The most anticipated Heavyweight (91+kg) battle could now set the 7,000-seater venue on fire. Facing each other for the very first time in their career, World and Olympic Champion Oleksandr Usyk and World Champion and Olympic bronze medallist Magomedrasul Medzhidov started impressively. As tall as his Azeri rival, but much more mobile and quicker, Usyk managed to control the fight all the way, winning each and every round in the opinion of the three judges. This way he was confirming he is surely the best WSB Heavyweight at this stage.

With the obligation to have a perfect night, Azerbaijan Baku Fires will now host the return leg on Saturday 30 March at the Olympic Sports Center "Serhedchi" in Baku. In case of a draw after ten bouts on aggregate, the tiebreaker of this quarter-final will be a Middleweight bout.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Pacquiao, Nine Other Pinoys in Latest Ring Ratings
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Thu, 20 Nov 2025
  • QUOTES FROM MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS LOS ANGELES OPEN WORKOUT AT WILD CARD BOXING CLUB AND LAS VEGAS OPEN WORKOUT AHEAD OF NOV. 29 FIGHT NIGHT AT PECHANGA RESORT CASINO
    , Thu, 20 Nov 2025
  • Super Featherweight Sluggers ‘Tsendy’ Erdenebat and Abraham Montoya Agree to Meet in Short-Notice Co-Featured Bout on Proboxtv’s Friday Night Fights
    , Thu, 20 Nov 2025
  • Cartagenas, Yu top 4th DCHS Fun Run
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 20 Nov 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 18 NOVEMBER 2025: Espinosa Defeats Khegai; Benn Gets Even With Eubank Jnr; Catterall Stops Essuman
    By Eric Armit, , Wed, 19 Nov 2025
  • Paras to challenge Malajika for IBO World super flyweight title on Nov. 29 in South Africa
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 19 Nov 2025
  • Lebron James is first player to play 23 seasons in NBA history
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 19 Nov 2025
  • Team Tira Tira Sampaloc Tres is SJDM Woodpusher Society 3X3 Rapid Chess Tournament Champion
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 19 Nov 2025
  • RUN IT BACK! GOLDEN BOY KICKS OFF 2026 FIGHT SCHEDULE WITH NIGHT OF HIGH STAKES REMATCHES
    , Wed, 19 Nov 2025
  • Boxlab Promotions “Night of Champions XIII” Undercard Bouts Announced
    , Wed, 19 Nov 2025
  • Porres-Narukami fight moved to Nov. 23
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 19 Nov 2025
  • Rematch for the ages
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 18 Nov 2025
  • "Limping" Boston Showing Famed Celtics Pride
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 18 Nov 2025
  • IIEE-Trocio Engineers defeated Splashers Lawyers in the BPBL Opening
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 18 Nov 2025
  • ThunderDome 52 Card Preview
    , Tue, 18 Nov 2025
  • Los Angeles Lakers may be under NBA gambling Investigation
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 18 Nov 2025
  • PLAYER+ and BIBA Announce Official Partnership
    , Tue, 18 Nov 2025
  • Roberto Racasa Claims 7 Medals at Asia Open International Memory Championships in Hyderabad, India
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 18 Nov 2025
  • Bacnotan Pickleball Club Marks First Anniversary With Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 18 Nov 2025
  • Connor Benn Targets Barrios' WBC Welter Belt After Defeating Chris Eubank Jnr
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 17 Nov 2025
  • NBA Daily: Sans Wembanyama, Spurs Dominate Kings 123 – 110
    By Reylan Loberternos, , Mon, 17 Nov 2025
  • GM Joey Antonio finishes second in Spain chess tilt
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 17 Nov 2025
  • A Tall Order: Rafael Espinoza KOs Arnold Khegai to Retain Featherweight Crown
    , Sun, 16 Nov 2025
  • Conor Benn dominates Chris Eubank Jr to claim emphatic rematch victory
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 16 Nov 2025
  • Filipino GM Antonio beats Argentinian CM Daniri , maintains second place in Spain chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 16 Nov 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.