Bigger's Better XXVI: Liepaja, Latvia & Mairis Briedis vs. Lubos Suda RBR

Round 3

Djeko is peppering Ilie with straight shots, not giving him a chance to take a step - or a breath. Djeko punches through Ilie's guard and puts him into a corner, overwhelming him with a rapid sequence of straight punches and some right hand chops. Ilie falls. Waved off.

KO3!!

 

Boxrec don't list it, but they have Ilie at 5′ 11½″...

So I am guessing 6' 5" at least. :think

http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?cat=boxer&human_id=602898

http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=259396&cat=boxer

 

Semifinal 1 pits Kartozia versus Djeko - I think I know who I am favoring in that. :yep

 

Edgars Kalnars vs. Przemyslaw Stepien, 3 rounds @ heavyweight

 

Round 1

Kalnars is hammering at Stepien with the right hand after holding it awkwardly folded in, fist up in his armpit or lain across his chest with palm opened. Stepien covers up and walks forward, picking off the right hand and throwing jabs and high lassoing rights. Kalnars is backing away, turning his gloves outward to catch jabs. Stepien sweeps up a lead left hook from the hip stepping in and then leans far back and to the right, letting his head fall out of range for Kalnars. Stepien is bouncing in and flicking jabs, but not scoring. Clapping right up top by Stepien, limply falling on the backside of Kalnars as they clinch. Another clap up top with the right by Stepien as Kalnars hooks at his body. Clinch.

10-9 Stepien, but Kalnars is the local boy so he may have received the benefit of the doubt in a relatively uneventful start...

 

Kalnars is 24-26 (15) in the pros.

http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?cat=boxer&human_id=75790


Stepien was a decorated amateur on the Polish and European scene but has never competed professionally in any combat sport.

 

Round 2

Kalnars is jabbing up at Stepien but unable to close the distance. Stepien dances in and out, jabbing and catching Kalnars on the eye socket with an up-and-over right hand. Kalnars presses through and lands some body shots in the clinch but misses routinely from outside.

10-9 Stepien

20-18 Stepien

 

Good 3rd.

 

Round 3

Kalnars is going for broke, slugging with Stepien up close and twisting around with hooks into the shoulders of Stepien. Counter flurries by Stepien while dropping his shoulders and turning his head, taking steps as needed to steady himself but remaining pressed in tight on Kalnars. They trade until the bell. Right hand by Kalnars.

10-9 Kalnars

29-28 Stepien