Bantamweight Vitaliy Volkov outclassed Balbir Singh 3-0 in the World Series Boxing 2011 first bout, as professional boxing made its debut before Indian audiences.
The Ukraine fighter, representing Dolce & Gabbana Milano Thunder, won the opening away match with a measure of control against the gritty Indian, boxing for Venkys Mumbai Fighters at the Balewadi Sports Complex indoor arena.
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All three judges scored 50-45 in favour of Volkov, who used the left jab to the face for openings and then unleashed the right hook.
Diwakar Prasad swung the momentum back in MF's favour with a split points decision 2-1 against Juan Herrera in the lightweight bout.
Balbir, competing in his first pro bout without headguards and vest, goaded his rival by keeping the guard down in the second round and fired a left hook to rock Volkov.
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MF's bantamweight turned on a hint of aggression in the fifth and final round, though by then the punching combinations ensured the Ukrainian had his nose ahead. Credited with a 3-2 WSB record for Milano Thunder, the compact boxer called the shots.
Frazier remembered
Before the bouts commenced at the colourful indoor arena, the gathering stood in silence as a mark of respect for the late boxing legend, Joe Frazier.
American heavyweight Paul Koon was present at ringside. “I am here to support my team, boost the morale of my teammates.”
Holding a 2-0 WSB record after representing Miami Gallos last season, he was ruled out due to an injury suffered in sparring with an Indian teammate and missed the chance to take on Milano Thunder heavyweight Clemente Russo, reigning WSB champion and an Olympic medalist.
“It is an opportunity missed, considering that he is the champion in the Italian side. I will be watching the bout carefully, looking for weak points. Everyone has flaws, even champions so I want to be prepared when we meet them next time.”
Venkys has teamed up with the Indian franchise as title sponsor. Provogue will be kitting the boxers apart from organising a fashion show. Mumbai Fighters Team Principal and TransStadia CEO, Udit Sheth, said: “We are honoured to have two market leaders in their respective fields. Venkys have long been associated with sport and the Fighters brand would create the necessary buzz.”
Ultimate in fitness
He added: “It is important for people to see that boxers represent the ultimate in health and fitness. Combine that with the entertainment and glamour boxing enjoys globally, this is the platform that Provogue have recognised.”
Setco Automotive Limited is the associate sponsor. The only Indian franchise in the WSB is owned by TransStadia.
MF, formed in September this year, travels to six cities for away matches in the group stage. The boxers will be competing against teams from Milano Thunder (Italy), Dynamo Moscow (Russia), Astana Arlans (Kazakhstan), Los Angeles Matadors (USA) and Team Bangkok (Thailand) in keeping with WSB's appeal as a league spanning continents.