By Daniel Hughes: Evgeny Gradovich 19-0(9ko) scored a UD win over the outclassed Alexander Miskirtchian 24-3-1(9ko) to retain his IBF feather weight title tonight in Macao, China. The Russian Mexican as he is known more renowned for his normal tactics of wearing down opponents simply out boxed Miskirtchian from the start.
The challenger was cut over his left eye as early as the third round and had trouble getting into range without getting caught, which he was constantly. The first five rounds were a shutout to Gradovich to me. The contests only knockdown was scored surprisingly enough by Miskirtchian in the 6th round, catching the Russian square on with a left. The champion visibly annoyed by a mistake that never put him in trouble as he jumped straight back up ,he looked off balance rather than a heavy shot.It was by far the only real success Miskirtchian had in the fight.
Normal service resumed from the 7th round Miskirtchians lack of head movement making him a sitting target especially to right hands that landed constantly on target, causing more damage.The rest of the contest developed into a boxing lesson Gradovich happy to pick combinations and frustate the challenger even more.Miskirtchian showed a decent jab but slow compared to the champion, Miskirtchian was the number one IBF contender for the belt.
The wide UD decision of 117-110 twice and 118-109 a reflection of the action this afternoon in China. Gradovich certainly did a good job and will look on with interest at the other featherweight fights on the bill in China.The tougher fights may well be ahead but he should be pleased with the controlled display he showed.
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