Andrei Mikhailovich made a triumphant return 12 months after his last match.Photo / Photo Sports
It's been a frustrating 12 months for Andrei Mikhailovich.
After improving his professional boxing record to 20-0 with a knockout win over Edison Saltarin last April, the 26-year-old middleweight is scheduled to face Germany's Denis Radovan in an IBF world title eliminator in December. Ta. Radovan was forced to withdraw due to injury and the match was expected to be postponed until May.
In a match in Sydney on Wednesday night, Mihailovic took advantage of a fleeting opportunity to return to the ring and stop Australian veteran Les Sherrington 84 seconds into the fight.
In his first fight under new Australian promoter No Limit, Mihajlovic reminded of his talent.
A perfect left hand to the body sent Sherrington hurting to the canvas. Sherrington tried unsuccessfully to stand up, and at count five it became clear that Sherrington was unable to continue, so the referee called off the bout.
With the win, Mihailovic improves to 21-0, and he has a big fight ahead of him as he ranks fourth in the IBF rankings.
Jerome Pampelone lost a majority decision to Libya's Malik Zinad in an IBF light heavyweight world title eliminator, but is the first fighter from Oakland's Peach Boxing Gym to appear on the card. It was he who became
Both fighters entered the contest with impressive undefeated records. Pampelone was ranked 4th in the IBF rankings, while Zinado was ranked 11th. However, it was Ginad, who was more of a ranger, who received the recognition from the judges. Two led the game 117-111 and the other tied the game 114-114.
It was a close and action-packed battle. Ginado fought well behind the jab and landed a lot of his punches, but Pamperone started slow going into the fight, chasing Ginado and looking to land hard.
Pampelone landed a number of big shots against Zinado, but the Libyan took them all well. However, Pampelone often threw single shots or close shots, which would have been a disadvantage to the judges.
The biggest moment of the fight came in the sixth round. Zinado landed a short jab with his right that hit his mark and wobbled Pampelone, but the Kiwi was able to stay calm and finish the fight strong.
Mare Motu is back
Peach Boxing returns to headline Friday night's card at the Auckland Boxing Association with IBO super bantamweight world titleholder Mea Motu returning in what could be his last fight in his home country for the time being. This marks the end of a busy week.
Motu will face Thailand's Noppakt Srisawas (8-1) beyond his usual weight class, and the card will also feature several prospects from the Peach Boxing stable.
Coach Isaac Peach indicated that Motu (18-0) is looking to earn a world title unification bout in the super bantamweight division in the not-too-distant future. Motu is currently ranked No. 1 in the IBF rankings, but is also No. 4 in the WBA.
When you talk to northern advocate Peach said his team has its sights set on Ellie Scotney, who unified the IBF and WBO titles with a unanimous decision win over Ségolène Lefebvre earlier this month.
“We're very close to another title shot. In the meantime, we need to keep her active and keep winning.”
christopher reeve He joined the Herald's sports team in 2017, bringing the same diversity to his reporting as he does to his sports viewing habits.