Arslanbek Makhmudov didn’t stay in the arena long and won his duel against junior Anthony Wright by knockout. Technique from the first round on Saturday.
Makhmudov (18-0-0, 17 KOs) sent Wright (20-5-1, 17 KOs) to the mat with a powerful right-left combination after just 48 seconds. Wright stood up but was shaken.
Seconds later, Makhmudov knocked his opponent to the ground with a fierce right punch, prompting referee Steve Gray to intervene and end the duel after just 70 seconds.
The Quebec-based Russian boxer thus retained his NABF heavyweight champion belt and also secured the vacant WBA intercontinental championship title.
No size
The tall 34-year-old boxer barely had time to sweat when the fight was over.
Wright tried to seize the initiative in the opening seconds by being the aggressor, but as soon as Makhmudov was able to release his right wing, he took control of the ring.
The Eye of the Tiger Management protégé was obviously too big and too strong for his opponent, who is primarily a light heavyweight who was switching weight classes.
Wright, three years older, has lost four times in his last nine fights. This defeat could well be his swansong.