Moscow, Russia – WBO #4 rated light heavyweight Maxim Vlasov (46-4, 26 KOs) has kicked off another track to the next world title shot with a wide ten round unanimous decision over very cagey former WBA interim titlist Felix Valera (19-5, 16 KOs).
Vlasov started very fast, scoring with multiple shots in the first. The Dominican was forced to take a knee after a huge right cross by Vlasov in the second but otherwise was game and retaliated successfully at times. The fourth was however catastrophic for Valera, who was twice dropped by the Russian’s damaging body blows. He was lucky to hear the bell in that round.
After the mid-point Valera concentrated solely on the survival. Showing both chin and experience he was able to avoid some critical moments and to get through the other.
The Dominican also showed the ugly side of his approach, using almost every receipt from the book of Harry Greb. Elbows, holding, rabbit punches were numerous, but low blows were exceptionally frequent. Valera did most of his work on the referee’s blind side. He was finally deducted a point in the eighth. However, he also tagged Vlasov flush at times. Maxim dominated the majority of the exchanges.
The last couple of rounds were literally run out by the guest fighter. No scores were announced. Vlasov retained his Eurasian Boxing Parliament’s 175lb title.
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