BoxRec

He was defending his WBU lightweight title on the 28th in Belarus. There's no results or anything all over the 'net. So did Yuri win or didn't he? Did the fight even happen?

I was just about to post the same question.

From FightNews.com

Romanov wins!

Yuri Romanov keeps his EBU title by knock out

In the sport-hall of Minsk (Belarus) and in front of a full house, European champion Yuri “the Tsar” Romanov (19- 2- 0 with 13 inside) knocked out impressively Tontcho Tontchev in the third round to keep his European lightweight title.

This event, promoted by the company M.A.K. in association with World Sport Promotion was the first European title organised in Belarus, and proved to be a huge success.

Beside being televised live on the national television, the beautiful Sport Palace of Minsk was packed full.The young and talented champion, who is only 24 years old, boxed for the first time in front of his supporters, and looked very impressive in stalking former Olympic medallist, and himself ex-European champion, Tontcho Tontchev (34 – 4 – 0 with 20 inside).
Romanov won the first two rounds with crisp punches and looked very sharp, but Tontchev was always dangerous, boxing with class.

The end came unexpectedly when a cracking right cross on the temple electrocuted Tontchev. He went down on his knees, on a slightly delayed reaction, and could not beat the referees count.

Next for Yuri Romanov could be another voluntary defence against EE-EU champion Andrei Kudriatsev from Ukraine before meeting his official challenger Stefano Zoff.

On the under-card, current official challenger for the European super-featherweight title Sergey Gulyakevich stopped Ibrahim Mustapha (10-3-2 with 4 inside) from Egypt in the third round of a contest scheduled in eight.Belarus proved to be a new place where professional boxing could have a great future.

Tom Podmore.

Good to hear. I hope someone manages to get this fight on DVD. Romanov is an excellent fighter and it's strange the way he and Earl's fortunes have reveresed after Earl edged him in that thriller.

I reckon Yuri can go all the way.

Juan Diaz looked impressive last night, forcing Freitas to retire. Looks like a great new era for lightweights following Corrales-Castillo departures... Manny Pac may look up a division for a shot. Khan will be ready (hopefully) in a few years. Casamayor's still the #1. Hatton one division above.

Yes 130-135 has certainly had some good fighters over the past few years in Corrales, Castillio, Mayweather, Feaitas, Casamayor etc. As you say good to see younger blood like Diaz, Romanov and Katsedis coming through to continue it.

J-C wrote:Yes 130-135 has certainly had some good fighters over the past few years in Corrales, Castillio, Mayweather, Feaitas, Casamayor etc. As you say good to see younger blood like Diaz, Romanov and Katsedis coming through to continue it.

Looking at the caliber of those fighters, the # of meaningful fights, and the handful of great battles (Freitas-Casa, Casa-Corrales 1, Corrales-Castillo 1 & 2, Freitas-Barrios, Castillo v Stevie Johnston 2), you could make a case for it being a great era.

Wonder if Warren will let Arthur or (one day) Khan anywhere near Diaz?

I'm foaming at the prospect of Juan Diaz, Casamayor, Pacquiao (moving up), Romanov/Khan/Blain growing, and all getting into world class fights.

How the hell is Zoff the mandatory challenger? This guy was a washed up shell years ago. Hell, if I was Warren I would even put Khan in against him now.

I still think that Earl fight was a clear draw despite Romanov being rusty as Hell.

glahn wrote:How the hell is Zoff the mandatory challenger? This guy was a washed up shell years ago. Hell, if I was Warren I would even put Khan in against him now.

He's still dangerous at a European level judging by his performance over the decent Martin Kristjansen recently. Although, he did beat Kristjansen previously and now got a draw. Although it could be a case of Kristjansen improving with experience.

I'd like to see Romanov vs. Katsidis in the UK if (and it's a big "if") Katsidis gets past Joan Guzman.

glahn wrote:I'd like to see Romanov vs. Katsidis in the UK if (and it's a big "if") Katsidis gets past Joan Guzman.

same here, but it looks like the winner of that gets man of the moment Juan Diaz.