The unpredictability of the division was shown up this past Saturday in several contests as we had our share of action in a day that was genuinely massive in the boxing world.
The biggest shock of the day was in Germany where Russia's once promising Denis Boytsov (33-1, 26) was unexpectedly beaten by Australia's hard working but limited Alex Leapai (30-4-3, 24). This contest, which was for the WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight title, twice saw Boytsov dropped as Leapai dominated an uninspired opponent. Prior to this contest the story was that Boytsov was being lined up to fight Wladimir Klitschko, fan should be relieved that they won't be needing to see that.
On the same show as Leapai's shock victory there was also a decision in favour of the promising Otto Wallin (4-0, 3) who went the distance against Tomas Mrazek (7-44-6, 5). This was the first time Wallin had gone the distance though it's great that the youngster is getting rounds under his belt and he now has 10 rounds of action in the space of just over 5 months,
Although the Boytsov/Leapai bout was the most important of the day it was probably the second most watched thanks to a big fight in Macau between the rotund Andy Ruiz Jr (21-0, 15) and former "Prizefighter" winner Tor Hamer (21-3, 14). Hamer, who started well and fought on an even keel for two rounds, quit after the third round as things began to turn against him. This bout, for the WBO Inter-Continental and NABF Heavyweight titles, may well be the final bout for Hamer who was apparently dropped by his promoter following the loss.
If Hamer has been let go by his promoters then that may be the most shocking boxing incident of the weekend, even more so than the awful stoppage in the Froch/Groves fight in the UK.
Hamer wasn't the only American in action as there was several bouts stateside. Of those the most notable was that of Alexis Santos (12-0, 10) who was taken beyond 4 rounds for the first time in his career. Fighting against Kevin Franklin (4-8, 1), Santos was forced to go the 6 round distance to take the victory. Although this result sees an 8 fight stoppage run coming to an end it will likely serve Santos the world of good knowing that he can do 6.
As well as Santos's victory there was also success for Charles Jerome (1-0), who defeated fellow debutant William Monroe (0-1), Tyyab Beale (9-3-1, 3), who took an 8 round decision over Jon Bolden (6-7, 5), and Khalib Whitmore (3-0, 2) who defeated Martez Williamson (1-4) via 2nd round TKO.