It probably won’t go down in history among boxing’s greatest robberies, but Magomed Kurbanov’s unanimous decision win over Liam Smith today in Russia is certainly not without controversy.
Kurbanov (22-0, 13 KO) took the fight on scores of 115-113, 115-113, and 117-112 over 12 rounds, winning a minor WBO belt and putting himself likely in line for an eliminator with Tim Tszyu, should Tszyu beat Michael Zerafa in their fight on July 7.
Bad Left Hook scored the fight 116-112 for Smith (29-3-1, 16 KO), whose corner were predictably frustrated and unhappy with the decision. The two cards of 7-5 in Kurbanov’s favor could possibly be defended round-by-round; a lot of the rounds were competitive. But the 117-112 card for Kurbanov is pretty egregious, giving him eight rounds is very tough to do, let alone eight plus one even.
Kurbanov is hoping a win Friday night will propel him into world title contention. Photo Credit: RCC Boxing.
As the strength in depth of the 154 pound division continues to expand, Dagestan’s ‘The Black Lion’ Magomed Kurbanov (21-0) is the latest serious contender to join the party at light middleweight.
Nicely ranked at #5 by the IBF and WBO, the Russian also holds a #15 ranking with the IBF and #17 with WBC. A clear intention by promotional outfit RCC Boxing Promotions to get Magomed ‘into position’ for a run at a world title.
This Friday night will see the 25-year-old take on his toughest test to date, facing off against former world champion Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith (29-2-1) for the vacant WBO International title in Ekaterinburg live on ESPN +.
Liam Smith takes a risk, but it could well pay off
AFTER more than a year out of the ring, Liverpool’s
Liam Smith returns to action on Friday (May 7). After bouts in Mexico and Phoenix, the former WBO titlist is once again on the road, taking on
Magomed Kurbanov in Ekaterinburg, Russia.
It is a meaningful fight for Smith. Kurbanov is unbeaten and in his hometown. But the Briton is determined to secure another title shot and believes winning this will put him on course to challenge for the WBO super-welterweight strap, the belt he once held. Smith is adamant that another title fight is well within his capabilities. He is already ranked third with the WBO. Victory would push him closer to a mandatory position.
Liam Smith travels to Russia to challenge for his latest title. Credit: Matchroom Boxing.
Liam Smith has been out in the cold at world title level for a while now, and the Liverpudlian must travel to Russia this Friday night in order to maintain his lofty ranking with the WBO.
He takes on unbeaten home fighter, Magomed Kurbanov, in a dangerous assignment, with the vacant WBO International Super Welterweight title on offer for the winner.
Smith is currently ranked number two in the latest WBO rankings at 154 pounds, while Kurbanov sits at number five.
The winner here will hope to move closer to a meeting with the current WBO champion at the weight in Argentina’s Brian Carlos Castano, but Australia’s Tim Tszyu occupies the number one spot with the organisation.
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