Tag: Batyr Akhmedov

Kenneth Sims defeats Batyr Akhmedov by majority decision in entertaining bout

Kenneth Sims defeated Batyr Akhmedov by a majority decision in an entertaining 140-pound bout Saturday in Las Vegas.

Kenneth Sims Jr. has arrived.

The 29-year-old from Chicago took the biggest step in his career on the Rolando Romero-Ismael Barroso card Saturday in Las Vegas, defeating fellow 140-pound contender Batyr Akhmedov by a majority decision in a brilliant, back-and-forth fight.

One judge scored it a draw, 114-114. The other two had Sims winning, 116-112 and 115-113.

The slick Sims (20-2-1, 7 KOs) had success with his sharp jab and counter punches to the head of Akhmedov (9-3, 8 KOs) early in the fight.

Then Akhmedov, the former amateur star from Uzbekistan, seemed to take control of the fight by the third or fourth round as a result of his relentless pressure and superior activity.

However, Sims wouldn’t concede anything. He continued to stand his ground and began to turn the momentum back in his favor around Round 8 even though his right eye was swollen shut.

The last several rounds were fought at a feverish pace, with both fighters having success. That left the decision in doubt.

When it was announced, Sims dropped to the canvas in ecstasy because he understood the magnitude of the victory.

He said afterward that he would now like to meet the winner of the main event for the WBA belt. Romero and Barroso were set to fight for the vacant title.

Akhmedov was coming off a disputed split-decision loss to Albert Puello for the WBA belt in August, after which Puello lost the title when he tested positive for a banned substance.

“This is what I’ve been waiting on for years,” Sims said. “Like I said before, I thought he won the title in his last fight so I thought he should be a world champion.

“So this just showed I’m ready for whatever. I’m ready to be world champion.”

Akhmedov has now lost three close decisions, following setbacks against Mario Barrios and Puello. He feels he did enough to win on Saturday.

“I felt confident that I’m winning the fight,” he said through a translator. “But it’s like every time I don’t stop my opponent it’s like they win. It seems like it’s a goal against me. If they reach the 12th round it’s like they already won and they’re already celebrating because the judges give it to them.

“Look at the punch stats. It’s the third time in a row. I won again. I’m winning rounds, I’m throwing more, I’m hurting him more.”

Akhmedov outlanded Sims 331-309, according to CompuBox.

Kenneth Sims defeats Batyr Akhmedov by majority decision in entertaining bout

Kenneth Sims defeated Batyr Akhmedov by a majority decision in an entertaining 140-pound bout Saturday in Las Vegas.

Kenneth Sims Jr. has arrived.

The 29-year-old from Chicago took the biggest step in his career on the Rolando Romero-Ismael Barroso card Saturday in Las Vegas, defeating fellow 140-pound contender Batyr Akhmedov by a majority decision in a brilliant, back-and-forth fight.

One judge scored it a draw, 114-114. The other two had Sims winning, 116-112 and 115-113.

The slick Sims (20-2-1, 7 KOs) had success with his sharp jab and counter punches to the head of Akhmedov (9-3, 8 KOs) early in the fight.

Then Akhmedov, the former amateur star from Uzbekistan, seemed to take control of the fight by the third or fourth round as a result of his relentless pressure and superior activity.

However, Sims wouldn’t concede anything. He continued to stand his ground and began to turn the momentum back in his favor around Round 8 even though his right eye was swollen shut.

The last several rounds were fought at a feverish pace, with both fighters having success. That left the decision in doubt.

When it was announced, Sims dropped to the canvas in ecstasy because he understood the magnitude of the victory.

He said afterward that he would now like to meet the winner of the main event for the WBA belt. Romero and Barroso were set to fight for the vacant title.

Akhmedov was coming off a disputed split-decision loss to Albert Puello for the WBA belt in August, after which Puello lost the title when he tested positive for a banned substance.

“This is what I’ve been waiting on for years,” Sims said. “Like I said before, I thought he won the title in his last fight so I thought he should be a world champion.

“So this just showed I’m ready for whatever. I’m ready to be world champion.”

Akhmedov has now lost three close decisions, following setbacks against Mario Barrios and Puello. He feels he did enough to win on Saturday.

“I felt confident that I’m winning the fight,” he said through a translator. “But it’s like every time I don’t stop my opponent it’s like they win. It seems like it’s a goal against me. If they reach the 12th round it’s like they already won and they’re already celebrating because the judges give it to them.

“Look at the punch stats. It’s the third time in a row. I won again. I’m winning rounds, I’m throwing more, I’m hurting him more.”

Akhmedov outlanded Sims 331-309, according to CompuBox.

Alberto Puello outlasts Batyr Akhmedov to win vacant 140-pound title

Alberto Puello outlasted Batyr Akhmedov to win the vacant WBA 140-pound title Saturday in Hollywood, Florida.

It was counter punching over relentless pressure.

Alberto Puello withstood the constant aggression of Batyr Akhmedov to win a split decision and the vacant WBA 140-pound title on the Omar Figueroa Jr.-Sergey Lipinets card Saturday in Hollywood, Florida.

Puello was the second Dominican to win a world title on the card, as Hector Garcia took Roger Gutierrez’s 130-pound belt earlier on the card.

“This was the hardest fight of my life, but the one I prepared the most for,” Puello said in the ring. “I do feel a lot of emotions, and two Dominicans were crowned champions on the same night. This win means a lot to me.

“This is a big thing for us Dominicans because my friend Hector Garcia and I are bringing two titles back home. My hometown, San Juan de la Maguana has already started the party and they are waiting for Garcia and I to come back and join them.”

Puello (21-0, 10 KOs) appeared to be too slick for Akhmedov (9-2, 8 KOs) for the first several rounds, using quick combinations to build a lead on the cards.

However, by Round 4, Akhmedov picked up his pace and never slowed down. He battered Puello’s body from that point on to make the fight competitive.

Puello took a great deal of punishment but never stopped countering, catching Akhmedov with quick, eye-catching shots as the Los Angeles-based Uzbek came forward.

That evidently impressed the two judges who gave the fight to Puello by a wide margin.

“I mixed it up, sometimes counterpunching and some other times coming forward,” Puello said. “What I studied from the gym and from the videos, I knew he would apply pressure. But I was actually surprised with the amount of pressure he started with, and in the end I was able to figure him out.

“I knew it was a close fight, and I just kept the distance and kept the pressure on the jab tonight, and that helped me get the victory.”

[lawrence-related id=32222,32210]

Alberto Puello outlasts Batyr Akhmedov to win vacant 140-pound title

Alberto Puello outlasted Batyr Akhmedov to win the vacant WBA 140-pound title Saturday in Hollywood, Florida.

It was counter punching over relentless pressure.

Alberto Puello withstood the constant aggression of Batyr Akhmedov to win a split decision and the vacant WBA 140-pound title on the Omar Figueroa Jr.-Sergey Lipinets card Saturday in Hollywood, Florida.

Puello was the second Dominican to win a world title on the card, as Hector Garcia took Roger Gutierrez’s 130-pound belt earlier on the card.

“This was the hardest fight of my life, but the one I prepared the most for,” Puello said in the ring. “I do feel a lot of emotions, and two Dominicans were crowned champions on the same night. This win means a lot to me.

“This is a big thing for us Dominicans because my friend Hector Garcia and I are bringing two titles back home. My hometown, San Juan de la Maguana has already started the party and they are waiting for Garcia and I to come back and join them.”

Puello (21-0, 10 KOs) appeared to be too slick for Akhmedov (9-2, 8 KOs) for the first several rounds, using quick combinations to build a lead on the cards.

However, by Round 4, Akhmedov picked up his pace and never slowed down. He battered Puello’s body from that point on to make the fight competitive.

Puello took a great deal of punishment but never stopped countering, catching Akhmedov with quick, eye-catching shots as the Los Angeles-based Uzbek came forward.

That evidently impressed the two judges who gave the fight to Puello by a wide margin.

“I mixed it up, sometimes counterpunching and some other times coming forward,” Puello said. “What I studied from the gym and from the videos, I knew he would apply pressure. But I was actually surprised with the amount of pressure he started with, and in the end I was able to figure him out.

“I knew it was a close fight, and I just kept the distance and kept the pressure on the jab tonight, and that helped me get the victory.”

[lawrence-related id=32222,32210]

Video and photos: Omar Figueroa Jr. vs. Sergey Lipinets weigh-in

Photos: Omar Figueroa Jr. vs. Sergey Lipinets weigh-in.

Omar Figueroa and Sergey Lipinets on Friday made weight for their junior welterweight fight Saturday in Hollywood, Florida (Showtime).

Both fighters weighed 139.75 pounds, .25 below the division limit.

The fight is being billed as a WBC title eliminator.

Also on the card:

  • Alberto Puello (139.5) vs. Batyr Akhmedov (139.75), junior welterweights (for the vacant WBA title).
  • Roger Gutierrez (130) vs. Hector Garcia, junior lightweights (for Gutierrez’s WBA title).
  • Brandun Lee (142.75) vs. Will Madera (142.5), junior welterweights.

Here are image of the weigh-in. All photos by Esther Lin of Showtime.

Batyr Akhmedov outworks, stops Argenis Mendez after eight rounds

Batyr Akhmedov outworked and stopped Argenis Mendez after eight rounds on Saturday in Atlanta.

Batyr Akhmedov’s hard work paid off again.

The former Olympian from Uzbekistan outworked and ultimately stopped Argenis Mendez after eight rounds in a scheduled 12-round 140-pound bout on the Gervonta Davis-Mario Barrios card Saturday in Atlanta.

Mendez (25-7-3, 12 KOs) claimed in his corner after Round 8 that he couldn’t continue because of an injury to his right hand.

However, Akhmedov (9-1, 8 KOs) kept pressure on his Dominican opponent from the opening bell and landed consistently, particularly hard punches to the body.

Mendez had his moments, including a number of accurate left hooks to Akhmedov’s head and some body shots. He simply didn’t throw enough punches to give himself a chance to win.

All three judges had Akhmedov winning after eight rounds, 79-73, 79-73 and 77-75.

Akhmedov has now won twice since his disputed unanimous-decision loss to Barrios in September 2019. Mendez, a former junior lightweight titleholder, is now 0-2-2 in his last four fights and hasn’t had his hand raised since 2018.

Batyr Akhmedov outworks, stops Argenis Mendez after eight rounds

Batyr Akhmedov outworked and stopped Argenis Mendez after eight rounds on Saturday in Atlanta.

Batyr Akhmedov’s hard work paid off again.

The former Olympian from Uzbekistan outworked and ultimately stopped Argenis Mendez after eight rounds in a scheduled 12-round 140-pound bout on the Gervonta Davis-Mario Barrios card Saturday in Atlanta.

Mendez (25-7-3, 12 KOs) claimed in his corner after Round 8 that he couldn’t continue because of an injury to his right hand.

However, Akhmedov (9-1, 8 KOs) kept pressure on his Dominican opponent from the opening bell and landed consistently, particularly hard punches to the body.

Mendez had his moments, including a number of accurate left hooks to Akhmedov’s head and some body shots. He simply didn’t throw enough punches to give himself a chance to win.

All three judges had Akhmedov winning after eight rounds, 79-73, 79-73 and 77-75.

Akhmedov has now won twice since his disputed unanimous-decision loss to Barrios in September 2019. Mendez, a former junior lightweight titleholder, is now 0-2-2 in his last four fights and hasn’t had his hand raised since 2018.

Mario Barrios says he’s ‘improved’ after disputed win over Akhmedov

Mario Barrios says he’s ‘improved’ after a disputed victory over Batyr Akhmedov last year. He fights Ryan Karl on Saturday.

The last time we saw 140-pound contender Mario Barrios he faced a torrent of boos.

Barrios had just outpointed Batyr Akhmedov by a unanimous decision in September of last year at Staples Center in Los Angeles to remain unbeaten. However, those in attendance – and presumably many worldwide – weren’t convinced.

Akhmedov when down twice in the fight but otherwise seemed to get the better of Barrios, whose face was bruised and battered afterward. The loser outlanded the winner 238-135, according to CompuBox.

Barrios (25-0, 16 KOs) was asked about his controversial fight with Akhmedov during a virtual news conference to promote the Gervonta Davis-Leo Santa Cruz pay-per-view card Saturday in San Antonio, on which Barrios will face Ryan Karl (18-2, 12 KOs).

Barrios wasn’t fazed.

“Cowboy” Ryan Karl has his eye on an upset against Mario Barrios on Saturday. Esther Lin / Showtime

“You’re going to see a completely different fighter on Saturday night,” said Barrios, who was supposed to fight Akhmedov a second time when COVID-19 stepped in. “My last fight I showed the warrior that I am, and during the championship rounds, I made big things happen.

“Saturday night, I’m going to show everyone how I’ve improved.”

One advantage Barrios will have on Saturday: He lives in San Antonio.

“I’m super excited to be back home for my first title defense,” said Barrios, who won a secondary belt against Akhmedov. “… I don’t feel any pressure. I’m fighting at home and defending my title, so it’s just a dream come true.

“You have an Aztec warrior and a Texas cowboy going at it. I couldn’t imagine a better co-main event.”

Karla, a bruising pressure fighter, has won three consecutive fights – all by knockout – since he was stopped by Kevin Watts, including a stoppage of Watts in a rematch.

The Houston resident, known as “Cowboy,” was asked whether anything had changed recently.

“I’m healthy and injury free now,” said Karl, who last fought last November. “It’s been over two years since I could say that. It’s a new start in a way. I’m listening better and my corner is the best it’s ever been.

“I expect it to be a very explosive and exciting fight. … I come to fight. I’m rough and ready, and I’m coming to win any way I possible.”

Barrios says he’ll be ready.

“Ryan definitely comes to fight,” he said. “He’s known for being a pressure fighter. I’ve always considered myself a boxer-puncher. I’ll try to use my jab and fight from the outside as much as I can.

“But I’ve been known to brawl on the inside as well. It’s going to end up being a fan-friendly fight.”

[lawrence-related id=15095]

Mario Barrios says he’s ‘improved’ after disputed win over Akhmedov

Mario Barrios says he’s ‘improved’ after a disputed victory over Batyr Akhmedov last year. He fights Ryan Karl on Saturday.

The last time we saw 140-pound contender Mario Barrios he faced a torrent of boos.

Barrios had just outpointed Batyr Akhmedov by a unanimous decision in September of last year at Staples Center in Los Angeles to remain unbeaten. However, those in attendance – and presumably many worldwide – weren’t convinced.

Akhmedov when down twice in the fight but otherwise seemed to get the better of Barrios, whose face was bruised and battered afterward. The loser outlanded the winner 238-135, according to CompuBox.

Barrios (25-0, 16 KOs) was asked about his controversial fight with Akhmedov during a virtual news conference to promote the Gervonta Davis-Leo Santa Cruz pay-per-view card Saturday in San Antonio, on which Barrios will face Ryan Karl (18-2, 12 KOs).

Barrios wasn’t fazed.

“Cowboy” Ryan Karl has his eye on an upset against Mario Barrios on Saturday. Esther Lin / Showtime

“You’re going to see a completely different fighter on Saturday night,” said Barrios, who was supposed to fight Akhmedov a second time when COVID-19 stepped in. “My last fight I showed the warrior that I am, and during the championship rounds, I made big things happen.

“Saturday night, I’m going to show everyone how I’ve improved.”

One advantage Barrios will have on Saturday: He lives in San Antonio.

“I’m super excited to be back home for my first title defense,” said Barrios, who won a secondary belt against Akhmedov. “… I don’t feel any pressure. I’m fighting at home and defending my title, so it’s just a dream come true.

“You have an Aztec warrior and a Texas cowboy going at it. I couldn’t imagine a better co-main event.”

Karla, a bruising pressure fighter, has won three consecutive fights – all by knockout – since he was stopped by Kevin Watts, including a stoppage of Watts in a rematch.

The Houston resident, known as “Cowboy,” was asked whether anything had changed recently.

“I’m healthy and injury free now,” said Karl, who last fought last November. “It’s been over two years since I could say that. It’s a new start in a way. I’m listening better and my corner is the best it’s ever been.

“I expect it to be a very explosive and exciting fight. … I come to fight. I’m rough and ready, and I’m coming to win any way I possible.”

Barrios says he’ll be ready.

“Ryan definitely comes to fight,” he said. “He’s known for being a pressure fighter. I’ve always considered myself a boxer-puncher. I’ll try to use my jab and fight from the outside as much as I can.

“But I’ve been known to brawl on the inside as well. It’s going to end up being a fan-friendly fight.”

[lawrence-related id=15095]

Batyr Akhmedov knocks out Rey Perez in first round

Batyr Akhmedov needed less than a round to stop Rey Perez on Sunday night at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Well, Batyr Akhmedov certainly bounced back strongly from his disappointing loss to Mario Barrios in September of last year.

The junior welterweight contender from Uzbekistan needed less than a round to stop Rey Perez on the Yordenis Ugas-Abel Ramos card Sunday night at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Akmedov (8-1, 7 KOs) put Perez (24-12, 8 KOs) down twice primarily as a result of body blows, which resulted in the stoppage. Perez was taking a pounding when referee Thomas Taylor ended the scheduled 10-round fight.

The official time was 2:19.

The 29-year-old winner fought for Turkey in the 2016 Olympics and got off to a quick start as a pro. However, Barrios put him down twice en route to a unanimous-decision victory, although some believe Akhmedov deserved the decision.

Akhmedov reportedly is seeking a rematch with Barrios, who won a secondary 140-pound title in their fight.