IBF Number 2 ranked cruiserweight Murat Gassiev (24-0, 17 KOs) relieved IBF/WBA cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev (29-3, 22 KOs) of one of his titles (IBF) with a hard fought split decision on Saturday night at the MegaSport Arena in Moscow, Russia. The 37 year old champion started well, but allowed the unbeaten Gassiev to get comfortable in the middle rounds, the 23 year old challenger scored a flash knockdown in the fifth with a body shot that momentarily paralysed the champion.. Gassiev faded during some of the closing rounds as the gallant Lebedev rallied to save his championship, but it was the challenger who appeared the more complete fighter on the night, with Denis leaving it far too late to save his belt..
Scores were 116-112, 116-111 Gassiev, 114-113 Lebedev.
The bout was for the IBF title only... Lebedev retains the WBA title in any event..
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