HBO: Dmitry Yuriyevich Bivol vs. Jean-Thenistor Pascal & Murodjon Akhmadaliev vs. Isaac Zarate RBR

Round 6

Akhmadaliev is throwing long body combos, driving Zarate across the whole ring, then dipping to one side as Zarate takes a few plunging swipes to free himself, missing or bouncing off the outer arms. Akhmadaliev ducking Zarate's jab and feeding his own into his teeth, snapping the head back sharply. Akhmadaliev is doubling jabs into the belly like daggers in a crab stance, rushing in on his toes, squatting, and working lefts downstairs as well.

10-9 Akhmadaliev, dominant. (if reckless, considering what he's in with)

60-54 Akhmadaliev

 

Round 7

Akhmadaliev is pushing Zarate against the ropes with both hands, unloading flurries, then going behind a peekaboo guard to let Zarate take a few whacks. Zarate is hurt by a body shot and is dug into with increased fervor as he shimmies along the ropes, then surges forward to clinch. Akhmadaliev is controlling Zarate with both hands clasped behind the neck as Zarate tries summoning his last vestiges of strength for a series of uppercuts downstairs, but with nothing on them. Headhunting combos by Akhmadaliev in the last moments before the bell, landing most of them.

10-9 Akhmadaliev

70-63 Akhmadaliev

 

Lederman has it 69-64 Akhmadaliev.

 

Round 8

Akhmadaliev is ducking and springing up with solo blast left hands on the head, and turning over sharp right hooks on the body. Zarate is backing away, throwing double and triple hooks on the backfoot. Stiff jab on the gob by Akhmadaliev, stunning Zarate. Body combos and 1-2s up top by Akhmadaliev, pinning Zarate on the ropes. Akhmadaliev is confidently walking through Zarate's few wavy arm punches as he languishes against the ropes like a wounded animal. Zarate reduced to clinching when Akhmadaliev charges at him airily, letting his punches go. Akhmadaliev loads up and plants a straight left on the body. Zarate ambles in close and smothers, bringing his gloves up and over in a short windmill to slap down at the back & sides of Akhmadaliev discouragingly but with no venom. Akhmadaliev lands a combo at the bell, hurting Zarate.

10-9 Akhmadaliev

80-72 Akhmadaliev