Denis Lebedev vs. Thabiso Mchunu - December 21, 2019

[Ruthless-RKO]

According to the Russian Boxing Federation, former WBA/IBF cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev will halt his retirement plans and come back to the ring this coming December. Lebedev (32-2, 23 KOs) is expected to fight former title challenger Thabiso Mchunu (21-5, 13 KOs) of South Africa on Dec. 21 in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.

Lebedev, 40, was last been seen in the ring in November 2018, winning on points over previously undefeated (19-0) American Mike Wilson. Denis was then mentioned as an opponent for undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk for a fight in 2019 but then chose to announce his retirement this July.

The heavy-handed southpaw went 13-0 early in his career, competing as a 175lber, before a forced lay-off, which lasted for short of four years (2004-2008).

Lebedev returned as a cruiserweight under the guidance of powerful manager Vladimir Hryunov and quickly racked up a series of impressive stoppages (including those of Enzo Maccarinelli and Alexnader Alexeev). A winning streak got him a title shot and he came very close to dethroning a long-time WBO king Marko Huck, losing a disputed split decision.

Lebedev rebounded with wins over ring legends Roy Jones Jr. and James Toney (allowing for an interim version of the WBA belt) in 2011, both times getting mixed reaction from local fans. He was then elevated to the full WBA status after previous titleholder Guillermo Jones was reinstated as a “champion-in-recess”.

A comeback fight between those two turned into one of best cruiserweight classics ever, when Jones stopped a spirited effort from Lebedev (and busted his face badly) in the eleventh to be caught later on illegal substances and to see his win overturned.

The Russian banger come back more than a year after with a kayo of Pawel Kolodziej to retain his belt, then made a couple of defenses and unified with arguably his most impressive performance, knocking out IBF champion Victor Ramirez in tow. He lost the red belt (the black one wasn’t on tap) just a fight later, losing on a split decision to rising star Murat Gassiev. Lebedev donated the remaining belt to the World Boxing Super Series, which he rejected to take his part in, after the sole defense.

Mchunu, 31, is best known for some fierce intra-African rivalries with Flo Simba, Zack Mwekassa, Ilunga Makabu and Olanrewaju Durodola, and later Thomas Oosthuizen, as well as for his upset win over Eddie Chambers in 2013. He challenged Usyk for his WBO title in late 2016 and was stopped in nine. He stopped Willbeforce Shihepo in three in his latest fight.

Also on the card is another return, the famed but fragile power puncher Dmitry Kudryashov (23-3, 23 KOs) will be seen in the ring against yet undefined opponent. The show will be promoted by the Patriot promotional outfit.

[DrDuke]

Lebedev should have stayed retired. Anyway Mchunu won't be a big threat.

[dagilechia]

Lebedev will win by dec, but i think that he is not a threat for the top anymore.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Don't think Lebedev has a KO in him anymore..

[Ruthless-RKO]

Meanwhile, on December 21 at the Ivan Yarygin Sports Palace in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, the Russian Denis Lebedev, a vintage cruiserweight, will fight the tough South African veteran Thabiso Mchunu, for the World Boxing Council’s Silver cruiserweight belt.

Lebedev (32-2, 23 KO), who announced his retirement in July, now decides he`s still got a lot to give, even at 40.

Mchunu (21-5, 13 KO), ranked 8 by the WBC, has already fought Ilunga Makabu, Oleksandr Usyk and Olanrewaju Durodola.

The winner will be in line to fight Makabu or Krzysztof Głowacki, who contest the vacant full title.

[CiroDiMarzio]

The winner will be in line to fight Makabu or Krzysztof Głowacki, who contest the vacant full title.

Nope, Glowacki will face Okolie in a WBO's champioship bout. Makabu's going to fight against Cieslak from Poland propably on 18th January in Kinshasa.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Former cruiserweight world champion Denis Lebedev explained that he was unable to prepare in the United States due to a visa issue.

“There would be no happiness, but misfortune would help,” Lebedev told Tass. “My visa ran out, there was no time to renew it. I had my training camp in Russia. My sparring partners were Igor Mikhalkin, Hasan Hasan and Sadam Magomedov.”

Lebedev prepared for his previous fights at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles under the guidance of coach Freddie Roach or his assistant Marvin Somodio.

Lebedev made a decision to resume his career. On December 21, in Krasnoyarsk, he will fight against South African banger Tabiso Mchunu, and the World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver title will be at stake.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Russian boxer Lebedev says had to lose 13 kg for fight against Thabiso Mchunu

The bout for the silver title of the World Boxing Council will be held on December 21 in Russia’s Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk.

KRASNOYARSK, December 20. /TASS/. Russian boxer Denis Lebedev said on Friday he had to cut almost 13 kilograms of his weight to be in shape for the bout against Thabiso Mchunu of South Africa.

"Yes, I had to cut down about 12-13 kilograms," Lebedev told journalists after the weighing procedure. "However, I had more weight to lose in the past. But, as you have noticed, there is not a sign of fatigue or nervousness in my eyes. Everything is okay and under control."

The fight for the silver title of the World Boxing Council (WBC) in the cruiserweight category (under 90.71 kg) between Lebedev and Mchunu will be held on December 21 in Russia’s Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk.

Both fighters underwent the required weighing procedure on Friday and the Russian boxer showed a result of 90.5 kilograms, while his opponent Mchunu turned out to be 90.6 kilograms heavy.

Two days ago, Lebedev told TASS that he viewed Mchunu as a very dangerous opponent, because "He is fast, nimble and flexible." The Russian boxer added, though, "I am not a gift either."

Lebedev, 40, is a former IBF/WBA/WBC cruiserweight champion and has a record of 32 wins (23 by KOs) and two defeats. He last fought in November 2018 routing Mike Wilson of the United States in Monte Carlo.

In July, Lebedev made a surprise announcement on wrapping up his boxing career, but later decided to return to the ring.

South Africa’s 31-year-old Thabiso ‘The Rock’ Mchunu boasts a record of 21 wins (13 by KOs) and five defeats (three by KOs).

[Ruthless-RKO]

Early Results From Russia

UNDERCARD

Kazakhstani slugger Aidos Yerbossynuly (13-0, 9 KOs) capped off another solid year in the pros with his third victory, dominating brave yet limited Omar Garcia to the eighth-round stoppage.

Well-travelled Yerbossynuly was rated #2 by the WBA and #8 by the WBO in the super middleweight division. Meanwhile, the equally well travelled Garcia was fighting for the fifth (and for the fourth consecutive) time in Russia.

Yerbossynuly, 28, was just tighter and more refined than Garcia, one year his senior. The latter was brave and didn’t hesitate to exchange leather with the Kazakh - mostly with the negative outcome. There were no knockdowns but Aidos’ dominance increased with each fought minute.

In round eight, Yerbossynuly connected with a serious combination, wobbling Garcia. The Venezuelan leaned forward, and was tackled down. It wasn’t ruled a knockdown but he was still wobbling after getting up forcing a stoppage from referee Leszek Jankowiak.

Yerbossynuly retained a handful of titles, including WBO Global, WBA Continental and WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental super middleweight titles. Garcia drops down to 15-3, 12 KOs.


Rising Spanish prospect Samuel Carmona (3-0, 2 KOs) passed his toughest career test by outpointing Filipino Enrique Magsalin (7-3-2, 1 KO) over eight rounds.

The 23-year old Spaniard, who is signed by the Patriot Russian promotional outfit, was flashy and delivered with vengeance against durable, well-taught but way too basic opponent. Magsalin showed some solid skills but lacked some subtle finesse, possessed by 2016 Rio quarterfinalist and 2017 WC bronze medalist.

The decision was unanimous for Carmona but no scores were announced. BS saw it 78-74 in his favor.


Russian fight veteran Konstantin Piternov (21-24, 10 KOs) was dealt his eleventh straight loss, after suffering a debilitating right shoulder injury in the third round of his bout versus experienced former amateur standout Rustam Tulaganov (2-0, 1 KOs). Piternov somehow lasted till 1:45 of the fourth before succumbing to the pain.

Tulaganov, 28, is a former Uzbek Olympian, who competed in 2016 Rio Olympics and lost to eventual gold medalist Evgueny Tischenko. He previously fought as a pro two years ago.


WBA #4 middleweight Magomed Madiev (14-0-1, 4 KOs) stayed busy with an eight-round unanimous decision over durable Ukrainian Dmitriy Bogdanov (4-2, 3 KOs).

It looked like it would be a short night for Madiev early on, as he dropped the Ukrainian twice with hard body shots in the opener. Bogdanov somehow survived and became increasingly defensive after the first. Madiev tried to trick Bogdanov inside for a hard counter but he doesn’t pack a punch, and Bogdanov was understandably cautious. Madiev did land some stinging shots and even hurt Bogdanov several times but failed to stop him. Bogdanov survived but hardly won any rounds.


Russian light middleweight Stephan Diyun (1-0-1, 1 KO) used his huge size advantage to stop Thai veteran Aekkawee Kaewmanee (also known as Pathomsith Pathompothong) in two one-sided rounds. Diyun dropped the Thai with three consecutive punches early into the second, then trapped him at the ropes and broke him down with three consecutive body shots at 1:17. Kaewmanee is now 21-13, 10 KOs.


Uzbek middleweight Odiljon Aslonov kept it real and painful for journeyman Varazdat Chernikov (11-15, 5 KOs) dropping him four times with body shots en route to the second-round TKO. It was Aslonov’s pro debut and Chernikov’s eleventh consecutive loss.

[boxing_rocks]

Looks like it will be an easy win for Mchunu against old fat Lebedev. The African is so much faster.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Kudryashov Extended Distance, Wins Questionable Decision Over Pejsar

Explosive knockout artist Dmitriy Kudryashov was forced to go the distance for the first time in his career.

It was also the first time he had to rely on the judges to deliver a win that many will argue he did not deserve.

The WBC #7 ranked cruiserweight contender from Volgodonsk was awarded a questionable split decision win over Vaclav Pejsar in their 10-round affair Saturday evening at Ivan Yarygin Sports Palace in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.

One judge had the bout ruled in favor of Czechoslovakia’s Pejsar by 97-92, overruled by disputed scores of 95-94 and 97-92 for Kudryashov. BS.com scored the contest 96-93 for Pejsar, who produced the best performance in his journeyman career.

After two complete rounds, no one believed the bout would end at the tenth-round mark as scheduled. Kudryashov, coming off the loss to Ilunga Makabu in June, was at the ropes taking horrible punishment by the fists of Pejsar.

The third was even but in the fourth Pejsar’s heavy dominance continued. Yet during the third minute, the Russian Hammer rocked Pejsar a couple times with hard straight right hands. The Czech went in and then went down after a huge right counter by Kudryashov.

The midst got more even, maybe even for the favorite but Pejsar was calm despite being hit more. Kudryashov was doing solid job with his long haymakers, but Pejsar was better on the inside exploiting Dmitry’s defensive blemish for the uppercut.

In later rounds the both combatants fought in spurts, but Pejsar landed cleaner and more consistent combinations. Both fighters had their faces marked but Pejsar was also cut. The final round was in Czech’s favor, which should have secured the upset win.

Two of the three judges felt otherwise, as Kudryashov advances to 24-3 (23 KO). Pejsar falls to 14-9 (12 KOs).

Regardless of the final verdict, going life-and-death with opponents of this sort means problems for Kudryashov that should be worked over in the gym. The question is whether or not they still can.

The bout came in support of the return of former cruiserweight titleholder Denis Lebedev, Moscow, versus South Africa’s Thabiso Mchunu.

[Woldemar]

Vorobiev vs Tamoyan who win?

[boxing_rocks]

Vorobiev vs Tamoyan who win?

Vorobiev UD.

[boxing_rocks]

Lebedev needs a KO to win, and it doesn't look realistic at all.

[boxing_rocks]

I think Mchunu won all rounds plus a point was taken from Lebedev. 120-107.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Thabiso Mchunu Outpoints Denis Lebedev

Denis Lebedev is a master of comebacks. He had accomplished a sweet return several times in his career but this one, against Thabiso Mchunu, has provent to be a fault. The South African got one of his nicest wins - if not the nicest - and acquired a vacant WBC Silver cruiserweight title after twelve rounds of his own best, which has been scripted as a wide unanimous decision in his favour.

Scores were 120-107, 119-108, and 115-112 for Mchunu.

Lebedev, 40, was rusty from the starters. He lacked speed - hardly a surprise for anyone as the former long-time WBA champion wasn't a swift mover even at the height of his power - but he also came short in timing and, which was unexpected, in punching power.

The engine needs to be warmed up after the ignition for a proper roadwork if hasn't been used for a while. Lebedev's engine was of a proven quality and got to the proper regime in a right time in the past. It was surely not the first time the Russian missed a long span (this time - thirteen months since his last outing against Mike Wilson). He has previously missed thirty six months in mid-00's, then sixteen more after an epic encounter with Guillermo Jones, then fourteen months in 2017-2018 between Mark Flanagan and Hizni Altunkaya.

This time was different in that Lebedev has actually stepped up in competition after a hiatus. He followed his almost four-year stint off the ring with a trio of warm-up fight before beating Eliseo Castillo. When he came back after the G. Jones fight he was facing Pawel Kolodziej, an unknown commodity with a padded record. And Hizni Altunkaya wasn't in the same league with Lebedev and by far.

Mchunu, 31, was. He began to prove it right from the opening belt. His sneaky right jab was bad news for the stationary Russian, and he followed it up with some hard and unexpected right hooks on his way in. The South African is listed at Boxrec of the same height with Lebedev but the WBC #8 ranked fighter was visibly shorter yet no less powerful than the Russian, who was always known for his chiseling physique.

Lebedev missed muc and just cannot get his punches together. He sometimes landed on the Mchunu's chin but the South African has never been rocked and took the punch well. Lebedev was also showing solid whiskers, yet when you are showing themm to much it doesn't make you any favours with the judges. They prefer beauty of the other sort. The latter was produced solely by the African fighter, despite Lebedev putting in everything in.

Round three was possibly crucial for the outcome. WBC #9 Lebedev was looking fariely solid but then happened an aacidental headbutt, which couldn't be clearly seen in the replay. It looked like there was no blood (although a cut over Thabiso's right eye), and it looked like there was no headbutt at all but referee Ian John-Lewis of England deducted a point from the Russian under the WBC rules and regulations. The referee was in green shirt for the reason - the fight was billed for a vacant WBC Silver 200lb title, with a winner being proposed a clash against a winner of the fight for a vacant title between #1 Ilunga Makabu and, most probably, WBC #4 Krzysztof Wlodarczyk.

Mchunu continued to show his best after that round, and Lebedev, though wearing his usual poker face and being visibly fit, was unable to match him. Shorter (only visibly?) Mchunu ducked low to become even a smaller target for Lebedev, who had problems hitting the air as he was hunting mostly for the head. The South African used smashing right hands to keep Lebedev honest and misoriented. The Russian tried for a final surge but was unable to deal any solid damage to Mchunu, who was winning even the last round.

After the Kudryashov fight, which ended in a mild controversy, there were reasons to expect some questionable scores in the main event. Still, it winds up as a win for Mchunu, whose record (22-5, 13 KOs) speaks little of his present shape and past achievements, which include wins over solid contenders in Olanrewaju Durodola, Eddie Chambers and Thomas Oosthuizen, and now - Lebedev, his biggest achievement.

Lebedev's comeback proved to be ill-wise. He hasn't fought an opponent of this class for three years (since his fight against then-unified champion Murat Gassiev) as Flanagan, Altunkaya and Wilson were in a different league with Mchunu. The Russian's record is now 32-3, 23 KOs, and he suffered the first non-debatable win of his career (the other two - to Marko Huck in 2010 and Gassiev in 2016 - were via split decisions).

[JxhDel.]

Time to hang it up for Lebedev.

[DrDuke]

It was obvious, that Lebedev was past it, but I expected Mchunu to be even worse. Yet Mchunu absolutely outclassed Lebedev, so it was a bit shocking. Lebedev declared retirement again.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Lebedev should have just retired on that Mike Wilson win in Monte Carlo.

[DrDuke]

Lebedev should have just retired on that Mike Wilson win in Monte Carlo.

Yeah, he made a pointless comeback, as he sustained a whooping.

[boxing_rocks]

Lebedev should have just retired on that Mike Wilson win in Monte Carlo.

Yeah, he made a pointless comeback, as he sustained a whooping.

Probably earned at least two of my yearly salaries. Not that pointless.

[squiggy]

Yeah, he made a pointless comeback, as he sustained a whooping.

Probably earned at least two of my yearly salaries. Not that pointless.

I swear three-fourths of the conversation here is about the fighters making money. There should be a separate sub-forum for people who just want to focus on the paychecks the guys brought home.

[Betro09]

Probably earned at least two of my yearly salaries. Not that pointless.

I swear three-fourths of the conversation here is about the fighters making money. There should be a separate sub-forum for people who just want to focus on the paychecks the guys brought home.

i wonder if they ever tried how it feels to be get a hit in the nose, chin or even stomach. Fighters get paid to do that, and to do that in a spectacular fashion, in an artistic way that none of those watch outta sport may do.

Yet it is always easy to talk and talk by a keyboard.

Lebedev -like him boxing or hate it- is a form of a living ancient warrior. Like as many fighters.

[boxing_rocks]

I swear three-fourths of the conversation here is about the fighters making money. There should be a separate sub-forum for people who just want to focus on the paychecks the guys brought home.

i wonder if they ever tried how it feels to be get a hit in the nose, chin or even stomach. Fighters get paid to do that, and to do that in a spectacular fashion, in an artistic way that none of those watch outta sport may do.

Yet it is always easy to talk and talk by a keyboard.

Lebedev -like him boxing or hate it- is a form of a living ancient warrior. Like as many fighters.

What is your point idiots? I just said that he likely had financial reasons to get back into the ring.