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.
Liam Smith frustrated in Russia as Magomed Kurbanov receives a unanimous decision win
LIVERPOOL’S Liam Smith left Russia frustrated at the unanimous decision that went to Magomed Kurbanov after the two fought in Ekaterinburg on Friday (May 7).
The judges scored 117-112 and 115-113 twice to Kurbanov, who was in his actual hometown.
“Will watch it back but feel I definitely did not lose that fight,” Smith stated afterwards.
Smith had applied consistent pressure through their 12 rounder. Though Kurbanov had successes at times and was competitive throughout, the Liverpudlian appeared to have done enough to deserve a result. Certainly the refereeing should have been stronger. The Russian tied up Smith in clinches over and over again, from the first to the last round, denying the Briton the opportunity to work on the inside and not receiving any penalty for the infractions. In the first round Kurbanov even hit the deck. Smith did land a left hook and Kurbanov lost his footing, bu
Konradman s fight picks for 5/7-5/8!!! By konmanrad on May 7, 2021, 6:25am EDT +
Hey all, I’m tentatively back I guess most didn t know I was gone, but I was hospitalized this week for a DVT issue, thanks to freaking COVID. I’ll post on that later, as there is, unfortunately, a boxing angle… but for now, more important matters. I managed to go 10 for 10 last week (really 11 for 11 if you caught my Straffon tip!) picking wins, so I’m tooting my horn a bit. That said, I didn’t do as well with KOs (yikes!), but hey, winning means something, and for at least one more week the show must go on!