Maxim Vlasov Retires

[Ruthless-RKO]

In a shocker, Maxim Vlasov, a two-time world title challenger, who had never ever been stopped before, was both stopped and announced his very unexpected retirement after the shocking upset loss to quite unheralded compatriot Dilmurod Satybaldiev on May 27 in Omsk.

The fight crowned a tiny but very well-packed event, staged by well-known Russian boxing impresario Vladimir Hryunov. The card also featured cruiserweight contender Alexey Papin and two-time Olympic gold medalist Alexey Tischenko.

Vlasov (46-5, 26 KOs), 35, had been just one fight removed from a very close (some say controversial) loss to Joe Smith Jr. in a challenge for a vacant WBO light heavyweight title, the fight he had lost via a majority decision on his opponent’s home turf. In his most recent fight Vlasov shut out former WBA interim titleholder Felix Valera and looked brilliant and ready for yet another title opportunity.

Meanwhile, Satybaldiev, 28, originally from the Crimea, came back to the ring in November 2021 after four and a half years of retirement and ballooned up to 211 lbs in his first-round stoppage of 3-3 Kazim Umudov.

Vlasov started confidently to sweep the first three rounds, outboxing and outsmarting Satybaldiev. It has all changed in the fourth, when Satybaldiev put Vlasov down with a liver shot. The fight turned around drastically after that, as the underdog started to press action and hit Vlasov at will. Maxim had already been losing, when he was badly cut over the forehead in what seemed to be an accidental headbutt.

The fighter, who had previously gone distance with Krzysztof Glowacki, Gilberto Ramirez and Isaac Chilemba in competitive defeats, was unable to go out for the seventh round. Vlasov announced his retirement immediately after the end of the fight.

“If you haven’t watched this fight, don’t watch it”, wrote Vlasov in one of his social network accounts afterwards. “It was a horrible performance, but it is more than that. It has been my ultimate fight. Despite never winning a world title, I consider my career to be very exciting. There were several thrillers, which I have produced, that gave me so much pleasure. Unfortunately, an inner fire that drove me has gone out. I don’t want to perform like that [in the Satybaldiev fight]. Boxing should bring joy for both a boxer and his fans. One mustn’t forget about health as well. And I also want to thank everyone for its continuous support”.

Satybaldiev is now 13-2, 4 KOs, raising his stock momentarily.

[oogiebe]

Sounds like an emotional reaction. He still has fight in him. wouldn't be surprised if he reneged and fought again.

[Enlightened-One]

He's 36 soon, has been a pro for 17 years and fought 51 times.

It was far too late in his career to rebuild his reputation and climb the rankings after suffering a loss like that.

It's over for him.

[DrDuke]

Uncrowned champion.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Uncrowned champion.

Yes

[margaret thatcher]

solid career, a good lower top 10 fighter at cruiser and then a bit higher than that for a bit at lhw. he was always tough, even at cruiser, so getting stopped by a guy like that suggests something big had left him

i think it's a shame he only spent 2-3 years of his career campaigning as a light heavy, as that might have been his best weight. think he also cut too much weight for too long b4 finally jumping from smw all the way up to cruiser. jumped almost 30 pounds in a year

[Ruthless-RKO]

Sounds like an emotional reaction. He still has fight in him. wouldn't be surprised if he reneged and fought again.

It does seem this way.. we’ll have to wait and see.

[margaret thatcher]

could be, but there's no way that guy should've stopped him, vlas has proven his toughness many times vs much better comp. something was up for sure. maybe the fire really did leave him