Kassim Battles Past Kiziria To Retain UBO Inter-Continental

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APRIL 23, 2023 / BY BY UBO PRESS OFFICER

Georgian challenger Iago Kiziria had not come to lay down, and gave the local hero plenty to think about during the action-packed ten rounds, boxed in front of a lively and loud crowd and broadcast live by Azam TV Sports.

Kiziria, coming off the biggest win of his career when he knocked out German Martin Houben (14-1, 10 KOs) last November, was able to keep up with the pace of the champion, making every round competitive and fast-paced.

With plenty of punches thrown, most of them power-punches, it was clear that both fighters were in excellent shape, and, while there were no knock-downs and neither man appeared hurt at any point, it made for an entertaining encounter.

Many rounds were even and difficult to decide, but judges Said Chiddy and Said Mkonde both scored the fight 98-92, while judge Sakwe Mtulya had it slightly closer at 97-93, all for Kassim.

Kassim, also the current UBO All-Africa Super Middleweight champion, improved his professional record to 22-8-1 (8) and could now be in line to fight for the vacant UBO world title.

Kiziria, who has never been stopped and has suffered some controversial split decision defeats against high calibre opponents, falls to a very deceiving 7-10 (5). With a more traditional build-up, his statistics would undoubtedly be much more flattering.

The fight headlined a big card promoted by Peak Time Media.

Photos: Tasen Mnkeni.