Myakinino, Russia — Denis Lebedev made the first successful defense of the “regular” WBA cruiserweight title with a crushing fourth round knockout of Santander Silgado last night at Crocus City Hall.
The 27-year-old Silgado came into the fight undefeated but against nondescript competition comapred to Lebedev, who holds recent wins over faded greats Roy Jones Jr. and James Toney. Silgado struggled to land any meaningful punches in the first two stanzas while Lebedev found success with left hooks to the body from his southpaw stance. The third saw both fighters exchanging hooks in the closing minute with Lebedev’s heavier hands giving him the advantage.
In the fourth, Silgado began opening with combinations but was hurt by a looping counter left hook. Lebedev landed several more hooks before planting Silgado face down on the canvas with a left uppercut.
Lebedev improves to 25-1 (19 KOs) while Silgado falls to 23-1 (18 KOs).
KO at 15:35 MARK
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 