Batirzhan Zhukenbayev beat Ivan Redkach with all the ruthlessness of a hitman wiping the blood off his shoes, leaving everyone to wonder why Redkach had bothered to show up at all.
Right from the start, Jukenbayev (23-1, 17 KOs) displayed a kind of brutal artistry with his fists, bringing Redkac (24-7-1, 19 KOs) to his knees, making it look like a highlight reel of Jukenbayev. I hit it off like I was just there to fill in. Redkach, nearing 38 and looking older by the minute, threw punches like he was really afraid they would land and strutted around his ring with the defensiveness of a man who'd rather be anywhere else.
By the second round, the spectacle had turned brutal. Jukenbayev's body shots came with inevitable thumping, each a cruel reminder to Redkach (and everyone watching) of his impending doom. Redkach's curses, like pleas for mercy disguised as manliness, were so pathetic and comical.
By the fourth round, the play was over. Redkach staggered and took the blows like a human punching bag, while Djukenbayev inflicted the pain with sniper-like precision. It was clear that Redkach was superior, outgunned, and underpowered, making him just a living target for Dzukembayev's relentless attacks.
The umpire, perhaps the only one with a heart of mercy, finally called the game over at 2:11 in the fifth, stepping in like a manager yelling cut on a scene that should have ended years ago. Even commentator Paulie Malignaggi suggested it was time for Redkach to retire, to avoid his next game being his last in many ways.
Terence Crawford was in the crowd and must have felt more like he was attending a funeral than a fight as he watched Redkach's career come to a slow and painful end.
result:
- Jukenbayev wins by TKO in the fifth round
- Jonhattan Cardoso wins by split decision (SD) after 10 rounds
- Charles Harris wins by unanimous decision (UD) after 6 rounds
