Michael Hunter (17-1, 12 KOs) defeated Sergey Kuzmin (15-0, 11 KOs) to win the International Boxing Organization Inter-Continental Heavyweight title.
Hunter handed Kuzmin his first career loss via unanimous decision as all three judges were in agreement, ruling the fight a 117-110 win for Hunter.
Hunter put on a show, using his length, footwork and combination punching to fluster Kuzmin all night.
Hunter dropped Kuzmin in the fifth round with a left hook to the chin at the end of his combination. It was a quick flash knockdown as Kuzmin didn’t seem hurt by the punch.
Kuzmin didn’t have an answer for Hunter’s athleticism or length. Even when Kuzmin was on the inside, he was clearly losing the exchanges.
Hunter will rise in the WBA Heavyweight rankings. Heading into this fight, Hunter was ranked eighth, while Kumin was fifth.
Hunter’s post-fight press conference included a quick breakdown of his performance, the knockdown and what he wants to do next in the Heavyweight division.
“I am pleased with my performance,” said Hunter. “I wanna fight [Alexander] Povetkin, I’m coming for you.”
This was only Hunter’s sixth fight as a Heavyweight, he impressed and is ready for the high level competition in the division. His only loss came at the hands of Aleksandr Usyk (16-0, 12 KOs).
Hunter poses a threat for just about any fighter in the division. Standing at 6’2″ gives him the height advantage against many fighters.
The Heavyweight division gained another contender on Friday night. Hunter will test himself against another top five Heavyweight before inching towards a title fight.
