Ruslan Chagaev decisions Oquendo to win WBA heavyweight title
Ruslan Chagaev (33-2-1, 20 KO’s) defeated Fres Oquendo (37-8, 24 KO’s) by a 12 round majority decision on Sunday night for the vacant WBA “regular” heavyweight title at the Akhmat Arena in Grozny, Russia.
The 35-year-old southpaw Chagaev pressed the action from the start, throwing body shots and throwing a lot of clubbing hooks to the head. Oquendo, 41, landed some decent combinations, but then would stop punching and just cover up. Chagaev was bleeding from a cut over the left eye in round 7 and the sight of blood seemingly inspired Oquendo to work a little harder. But Chagaev’s corner - Artur Grigorian and experienced coach Fritz Sdunek as cutman - managed to stop the bleeding. Oquendo came on strong late on and outboxed the visibly fatigued Chagaev in round 11. In the 12th round, Oquendo fought hard and got the better of Chagaev with some nice shots. But he didn’t get the big finish he needed. Scores were 114-114, 115-113, 115-113.
The win earned Chagaev the WBA heavyweight championship for the second time in his career. Though Wladimir Klitschko, who holds a 2009 win over Chagaev, is recognized by the WBA as the "super" champion.
Also on the card, Former WBC cruiserweight champion Juan Carlos Gomez (55-3, 40 KOs) scored a 5th round TKO over previously unbeaten Goran Delic (24-1, 4 KOs). Gomez was nailing Delic at will and the ringside doctor decided to halt the one sided bout at 1:32 of round 5. Gomez captures the vacant WBA International cruiserweight title.