Despite the many expected outcomes of the fighting in German Rostock, there were enough surprises that evening. The first was the name of the final approved opponent for Povetkin Jr. If less than a day before entering the ring Vladimir was tuned into a young German, Jens-Henry Retz, then “during the journey the boy managed to grow up” and by the appointed hour turned into 40-year-old Congolese Mayalu Mbungi.
When this stocky sturdy guy, who did not win any of the 17 fights in the professional ring, jumped inside the ropes, it seemed a misunderstanding. And the most merciful of the audience wished Mayal just to get to his family that evening, even if not on his own feet.
Then it was the turn of the second surprise. Vladimir, known for no less powerful blow than his elder brother, could not realize his potential advantage. Changing the fifth dozen African galloped in the ring, like a twenty-year-old, showed competent defense and at times dared to dangerous attacks. And our debutant was overly cautious and for two good rounds of four did not dare to thoroughly “get out” because of the jab. When Vladimir got rid of excitement and began to attack more aggressively, the duel came to an end. And the Russian boxer won in it with only a slight advantage in points.
The third and main surprise happened in the nail battle of the evening - between Alexander Povetkin and David Bostis, nicknamed Boss. Many people before the fight assumed that the American was not a top-class fighter. But, admittedly, they did not suspect such a lack of a “top” and a “class”.
Assessing the boxer's readiness for a duel by facial expression before entering the ring is perhaps not entirely true. But Bostis did not make the impression of a professional fighter, but an employee of the library, with every second more clearly understanding why he was brought here, and who had no chance to escape.
In the first round, boxers traditionally looked closely at each other. But it immediately became apparent that Bostis was doing this, rather, from hopelessness, rather than from considerations of tactics. As soon as Povetkin in the second round slightly increased pressure and increased the speed of attacks, the opponent clung to the ropes and began to miss blow after blow. The battle, barely begun, turned, in fact, into a beating.
The patience of the referee was short-lived. As soon as the American began to bend his knees, the judge stopped the fight and declared victory for Alexander. However, such a success is unlikely to significantly increase its rating. The helplessness of Bostis thoroughly disguised the aggressive and spectacular boxing of the Russian.
Andrey IVANTSOV