Robert Easter Jr. (19-0, 14 KOs) made his second title defense tonight against his rugged mandatory challenger, Denis Shafikov (38-2-1, 20 KOs), from the Huntington Center, in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio.
The showing was a part of the Premier Boxing Champions‘ card, which aired live Bounce TV.
As a 5’11”, 135-pound champion, the unbeaten 26-year old Robert Easter Jr. took on the much shorter, but highly experienced two-time title challenger, Denis Shafikov.
Even though he faced a significant size disadvantage, Shafikov entered the bout with confidence.
“Robert’s almost 6 feet, but he’s not fought anyone with my aggressive southpaw style,” explained Shafikov ahead of the fight. “This is possibly my last opportunity. I won’t stay outside against Easter. I’ll be in his chest all night long.”
That is exactly what he did during the fight, however if simply wasn’t enough to defeat the champion tonight.
The tough and persistent Shafikov kept the pressure on Easter Jr. all fight. Easter Jr., however answered right back, often finding a home for his right uppercut and straight right hand throughout the bout.
Shafikov was able to withstand Easter Jr.’s punches, however, he suffered on the judges scorecards as Easter Jr. earned himself a lopsided unanimous decision victory to retain his title.
With double the amount of fights as Easter Jr., Shafikov was expected to bring a new level of experience and toughness that could push Easter Jr. to his limits, which is exactly what he did.
Shafikov had never been knocked out in 41 pro fights, and although Easter Jr. felt he was the man that could finally stop him, things proved to be a bit more difficult more him.
“I know a lot of guys’ weakness is their gas tank so I wanted to go after him and test him early,” said Easter. “Shafikov proved that’s he’s a tough opponent but we were able to get the job done.”
Easter was the more effective and accurate puncher, answering skillfully as Shafikov pushed forward for all 12 rounds of action with a high volume punch output.
“I’m thankful for my team preparing me for this victory,” said Easter. “I give my performance a B- tonight. I could have done a lot better. I fought on the inside more at the beginning of the fight, but my team wanted me to box so I was able to do that late and get the win.”
Easter’s accuracy was often was able to snap Shakikov’s head back with his arsenal of jabs, right hands and upper cuts. This accurately and effectiveness throughout the fighter allowed Easter to shine.
Julian “J-Rock” Williams Returns to Action
In the co-main event Julian Williams (22-1-1, 14 KOs) made his highly anticipated return to the ring in an attempt to bounce back from his December fifth-round knockout loss to unbeaten Jermall Charlo in the 154-pound world title bout.
Williams made his return against Joshua Conley, (14-1-1, 9 KOs), of San Bernardino, California who was coming off of his fourth straight stoppage victory.
Williams and Conley both started off slow but however by the second round this fight was very obviously all Williams and remained that way throughout.
Conley remained reluctant to throw any significant combinations and Williams took full advantage. Williams quickly became the aggressor and began to land large shots with bad intentions, to which Conley had no answer.
Conley’s corner has seen enough of the one-sided beat down and stopped that fight in round 7.
Following the main event, while being interviewed by Austin Trout, Easter Jr. rated his performance a B- and left himself room to improve on his craft but always have credit to Shafikov for his tough and relentless style.
When Trout asked post fight what was next, Easter Jr. explained “Everybody can get it”, leaving himself open to explore plenty of future fights, without over-eagerly calling out some the biggest names in boxing, such as Mikey Garcia, like he did after his last fight.
Easter Jr. and Shafikov did not disappoint as the two put on an electrifying 12-rounds of championship boxing in which neither fighter took their foot off the pedal for even a second.
Photos by Heather Nearhoof/Premier Boxing Champions
