Results: Sunday July 6th-Chagaev becomes a 2-time "world" champion

On paper this past Sunday was an intriguing day in the Heavyweight division, sadly however it was one that flattered to deceive and gave us less than what we had expected.

The first, of three, Heavyweight bouts in Russia lasted just 12 seconds, yes 12 seconds. This was because the destructively hard hitting Apti Davtaev (7-0, 7) was in the mood to impress and did so by swiftly disposing of Oleksandr Nesterenko (9-3, 4). On paper this seemed like a step up for Davtaev, especially when you consider Nesterenko had previously gone almost 3 rounds with the once touted Denis Boytsov, but it really failed to test Davtaev in the slightest.

The second Heavyweight contest on the show didn't last much longer as Edmund Gerber (24-2, 15) easily beat Mexico's Vicente Sandez (13-4, 9) in just 2 rounds.

Sadly the highest profile Heavyweight bout of the night was the most disappointing as an out of shape Ruslan Chagaev (33-2-1, 20) managed to narrowly squeak past a frustrating Fres Oquendo (37-8, 24) to claim the WBA title. Chagaev controlled the early stages of the fight with ease as Oquendo did little but the second half of the fight became a struggle for Chagaev as he ran out of gas and seemed to get by by virtue of Oquendo lacking the desire to win. Had Oquendo wanted to win we genuinely believe he'd be the owner of the title and not the man who lost a majority decision.

The win for Chagaev saw him becoming a 2-time world champion though he appears to be a champion there for the taking.

Upcoming bouts: Sunday July 6th-Russian Rumble sees Oquendo and Chagaev facing off for a paper belt!

This Sunday isn't a day booming with fights though there will be a trio of interesting Heavyweight bouts in Russia on a card that really is the weekend's stand out show. Sadly however the main event is a bout more motivated by the need to have another paper title floating around than the fighters involved.

The first of the three bouts for us is likely to be a contest between the unbeaten and hard hitting Apti Davtaev (6-0, 6) and Ukrainian giant Oleksandr Nesterenko (9-2, 4). Stood at 6'5" Nesterenko is a tall Heavyweight, even in this era of giants, though many will be expecting the ginat to be felled by the hard hitting Davtaev, who has stopped all 6 previous opponents inside 2 rounds. It's hard to get a read on how good the unbeaten man is but we're hoping to see some questions about him in this bout.

Following the Davtaev/Nesterenko bout we will get to see former prospect, turned bust, Edmund Gerber (23-2, 14) taking on Mexico's Vicente Sandez (13-3, 9) in a contest that appears to be little more than a confidence builder for Gerber. The once promising German has been appalling in recent bouts and could have suffered twice as many losses as he currently has. Sandez however shouldn't even come close to testing Gerber who has the time needed to turn his career around but we doubt he has the skill or desire to ever become a contender.

The biggest bout on the show however is a "world title bout" as the WBA continues to hand out belts as if they belong in cereal boxes as opposed to around the waists of the best fighters in the sport. The bout in question will see the very talented former world champion Ruslan Chagaev (32-2-1, 20), several years past his best, taking on American fringe contender Fres Oquendo (37-7, 24). For all intents and purposes it's a really good bout, but it's not a world title bout no matter how the WBA dress it up. The bout is a fight that they've decided can be fought for a ceremonial crown but the winner will not be king, or prince. In fact the only role the winner will have is that of a pawn in the political chess game that the title awarding bodies are playing.

We're sorry to say this but if you really feel that the winner of Chagaev/Oquendo deserve a word title then we suggest you either require an eye test or you've received a botched lobotomy.