It was a big upset when Rob Brant (24-1, 16 KOs) defeated Ryota Murata and lifted his WBA regular Middleweight title last year in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Brant showed incredible ability in the ring as he boxed his way to unanimous-decision victory.
He is now looking to show that the win was not a fluke. His first title defense will not be an easy one as he will be taking on undefeated Russian fighter, Khasan Baysangurov (17-0, 7 KOs) at the Grand Casino in Hinckley, Minnesota on Saturday, February 15.
For Baysangurov, this will be a massive step up for him in his bid for a world title.
At this point it is hard to know what to expect from either man. Brant was thoroughly outboxed by Juergen Braehmer in their 2017 contest in the World Boxing Super Series. In all fairness to Brant, the match took place at Super Middleweight. Brant was given no chance when he challenged Murata, but dominated the action for most of the contest.
Boxing ability, speed and a granite chin. Brant possess all of those tools. The Middleweight division is filled with talent, but Brant has the ability to trouble any of the upper-echelon fighters.
In Baysangurov’s brief career he has shown tremendous promise. At only 21 years of age he does lack pro experience with elite fighters.
He is a very good boxer but does not seem have explosive power as he has only stopped seven of 17 opponents in his career.
The match with Brant may prove to be a bit too much for the young fighter. However, as we have seen time and time again in recent history, upsets can happen at anytime.
The stage for Baysangurov has been set. A world title is just beyond his reach. In order to reach those lofty heights he will have to get through the champion Rob Brant who is looking to make a statement to the rest of the division.
