A win was needed in the final match and Heavyweight Erislandy Savón (91kg) did just that with a knockout for the reigning champions, Cuba Domadores, who defeated Ukraine 3-2 and bid farewell to the first round of the Fifth World Series of Boxing, as leaders of Group A.
out Ukraine’s Siarhei Karneyeu, sealing victory for the Cuban team.
Photo: Ismael Batista
For Savón the event was doubly sweet as he entered the ring at a moment when both teams had secured two victories each in the Kiev Sports Palace, defeating in the final match the Belarusian and 2011 world bronze medalist, Siarhei Karneyeu (Ukrainian team reserve).
A left swing sealed his third victory, a clear example of the prominence he has maintained since he was selected best boxer at the Fourth Series and testament to his training under Rolando Acebal, gaining him 21 points, after dominating in the seven previous bouts.
In short, Cuba’s wins against Ukraine rested with the Featherweight, Andy Cruz; Light welterweight, Yasnier Toledo; and Heavyweight, Erislandy Savón, while
Flyweight, Joahnys Argilagos and Middleweight, Arlen López suffered defeats.
Andy triumphed in the fifth and final round after winning in the second and third, receiving a 3-0 decision against Omurbek Malabekov, confirmation of the good form displayed in his début against the Mexican squad.
Toledo, world boxing silver medalist, had to dodge Ukranian Volodymyr Matviichuk´s rudimentary punches and the inexplicable decision of one judge who saw him lose, however he triumphed 2-1 and remained unbeaten in four rounds.
Hasanboy Dusmatov imposed his greater experience on the young Argilagos, who he defeated with a 3-0 ruling from the judges.
Uzbekistani, Hurshidbek Normatov, Ukraine’s strength, executed better combinations and connections from a distance supported by his greater height and reach, to defeat Arlen, who on this occasion didn’t find the speed to effectively respond.
Thus, the Cuban team concluded this phase with a total of 31 wins and four individual defeats, maintaining the lead it has enjoyed since the beginning of the tournament with seven more classificatory bouts ahead. The squad’s next match will be against Morocco.
