Liam Smith suffered a setback in Russia after a controversial points loss to Magomed Kurbanov on Friday Photo Credit: RCC Boxing Promotions
Former world champion, Liam Smith was defeated via unanimous decision in Ekaterinburg, Russia, as Magomed Kurbanov took the vacant WBO International Super Welterweight title in what was a questionable victory on Friday.
Smith (29-3-1, 16 KOs) was taking on a dangerous assignment against Kurbanov, and he was looking to catapult himself back into the mix at world title level, having lost his belt in a ninth round loss to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in 2016, and he then failed in a bid to win it back from Jaime Munguia in a points loss in July 2018.
Denzel Bentley was crowned the new British Middleweight champion with victory over Mark Heffron at BT Sport Studios. Photo Credit: Round N Bout Media/Queensberry Promotions
“Good question, does the final bell ring? I do want to stop him. I think I can stop him but I’ve prepared to go 12 rounds regardless. If I see an opportunity, I take it, if not then I’m comfortable doing the rounds. I’m not forcing nothing.”
As Denzel Bentley prepares for the biggest fight of his professional career to date he has been picturing his opponent on the canvas as the referee’s count surpasses ten seconds.
Sandor Martin and Andoni Gago defend their European titles against British opposition in the form of Kay Prosper and Gavin McDonnell on Friday on DAZN
Matchroom go from Milan last Friday and Hollywood, Florida last Saturday, to promoting in Barcelona, Spain this coming Friday, with a pair of European belts on the line with Sandor Martin clashing with Kay Prosper at the top of the bill.
European Super Lightweight champion, Martin (37-2, 13 KOs), will be taking part in his 40th contest this weekend, and will be defending his belt for the second time since winning the vacant crown in July 2019 against Luton’s former English champion, Prosper (14-1-1, 7 KOs) in Cataluña.
Who is next for Tony Yoka after victory over Joel Djeko?
Yoka stopped Djeko in final round in Nantes on Friday
Tony Yoka defeated Joel Tambwe Djeko to become European Union Heavyweight champion on Friday Photo Credit: Instagram @tonyyoka
Ever since winning Gold at the 2016 Olympics, after pipping Joe Joyce in Rio, Heavyweight contender Tony Yoka has been touted as a future world champion.
Yoka (10-0, 8 KOs) took another step towards that goal with a 12th round stoppage over Joel Tambe Djeko in Nantes on Friday night to claim the EBU European Union title, the secondary EBU belt to that which Joyce stakes claim to.
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