Denis Lebedev knocks out Shawn Cox in the second round – Boxing News
As expected, the WBA interim-cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev successfully defended his title against Barbadian challenger Shawn Cox. Even though Denis Lebedev was the favourite for the fight, no one could have possibly imagined that Cox would be knocked
out in the second round.
The fight took place yesterday, Wednesday, at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow. It was Lebedev hometown, giving him the advantage of home crowd. Throughout the short match, fans were chanting for the 32-year-old champion who won his career’s 18th
knockout. As of now, Lebedev has from 24 to 25 wins and 1 loss in portfolio.
Before the match, most analysts had predicted Denis’ win, but they did mention that Cox’s last five extremely dominating performances makes him a tough competitor to Lebedev. However, Cox could not stand up to Lebedev’s rights and lefts in the first round.
Before the second round even started, Cox had suffered enough damage. In the second round, Lebedev delivered four heavy lefts sending Cox into the ropes. The finishing move by Lebedev was a hook to the head. Cox hit the canvas right after the hook was delivered
and could not get up again.
The only perfect shot Cox got of Lebedev was a left hand strike to the chin, but it did not really affect the champion much.
After the match, a surprised Lebede stated, “''Sometimes it happens like this. But in fact, I've allowed him one shot and a very dangerous one. I was lucky to stay concentrated.”
It should be noted here that this was the champion’s third victory in a row in his hometown. He was leading an unbeaten streak just when he was defeated by Marco Huck in Germany in 2010.
In his last media interaction just days before the fight, Cox was confident of beating Denis. He had said, “I've prepared well for the bout at home, in Barbados, and I'm ready to go 15 rounds in the ring. I admit that after a long flight all I want to do
is sleep, but in the fight on Wednesday it won't worry me in the slightest.”
However, during the fight it seemed like Cox’s training was worth nothing.
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