Easter dominates, Zhakiyanov upsets Warren for title
Photo: Leo Wilson/Premier Boxing Champions
IBF lightweight champion Robert Easter Jr. (18-0, 14 KOs) picked up a twelve round unanimous decision over Luis Cruz (22-4-1, 16 KOs) on Friday night at the Huntington Center, Toledo, Ohio. Easter controlled the whole fight dropping Cruz in the tenth, but was unable to get the knockout. The judges saw the bout 119-106, 118-107, 117-108.
Bantamweight Zhanat Zhakiyanov (26-1, 18 KOs) upset Rau’shee Warren (14-2, 4 KOs) to win the WBA 118lb title with a twelve round split decision. Warren knocked down Zhakiyanov twice in the first round, but saw Zhakiyanov bounce back quickly and take the fight to Warren who appeared to fatigue as the fight went on. The judges scored the bout 115-111, 116-110 for Zhakiyanov and 115-111 for Warren.
