POLAND ADVANCES TO PLAYOFFS DESPITE HEAVY LOSS IN SANKT PETERSBURG

In their penultimate match of the regular season, Russia made light work of the visiting Hussars Poland in their World Series of Boxing (WSB) Group A clash on at the Konti Sport Recreation Center. Not one round was lost as Konstantin Bogomazov, Petr Khamukov, Dmitriy Bivol and Vitaly Kudukhov all recorded perfect victories for themselves.

The match got underway with the Lightweight (57-61kg) contest between clever operator Bogomazov and 24-year-old orthodox Pole Jacek Adam Wylezol. The young Russian’s skills were evident right from the off as he completely outthought and outboxed his opponent. Using his jab well and pouncing with some crisp combinations, Bogomazov was on top throughout the five rounds. In the end it was a classy victory for the Russian 21-year-old with Wylezol unable to match his endeavour.
 
At Middleweight (68-73kg), Khamukov notched up a second successive win after a comprehensive victory versus Polish 23-year-old Dawid Pac. After impressing in his last outing in Algeria, Khamukov once again demonstrated speed, power and a quality selection of shots in his fight as he dictated all the exchanges. From the first bell, the Russian was on top, unloading some great shots to stamp his authority on his opponent. Never letting his intensity drop, Khamukov took all five rounds on each of the judges’ scorecards and further extended his team’s lead in the match.
 
It was then the turn of Bivol to take to the ring with the Light Heavyweight (80-85kg) facing the Hussars’ orthodox Ukrainian Serhiy Radchenko. The 22-year-old Russian was a revelation, showing good footwork and a tactical mind to outwit his rival. On his WSB debut, Bivol looked assured, boxing well at distance on and on the inside, mixing it to the body and head with ease. Radchenko was devoid of ideas and unable to cope with the precision of his opponent. Bivol was unstoppable and he cruised to another perfect victory for the Russians.
 
No-nonsense Heavyweight (91+kg) Kudukhov was bright against the Hussars’ Yan Sudzilouski from Belorussia, setting the scene with some vicious attacks in the first. The experienced Russian was throwing some big punches and was hurting Sudzilouski, one big hook in particular giving him a bloody nose. Kudukhov was enjoying himself, unloading some hard combinations in each of the five rounds to record his third win of the season.
 
With the Russian boxer unable to take part in the Bantamweight (50-54kg) bout, a walk-over was given in favour of Poland, which was enough for Hussars to advance and make history.
 
Russia now face Argentina Condors on Saturday while Poland will be keeping eye on the result because if Russia win, they will finish third in the Group.