KANAT ISLAM WINS BY DECISION OVER WALTER KAUTONDOKWA

AND RETAINS HIS WBO INTERNATIONAL MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE

AT THE BALUAN SHOLAK SPORTS PALACE, ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN

Almaty, Kazakhstan - The WBO International Middleweight Champion, Kanat ‘Qazaq’ Islam defended his title with a decision with the scores of 97-92 (twice) and 99-92. In the first three-rounds, Kanat started fast using his speed and precision shots, which kept Kautodonkwa defensive.

In round four, Kautodonkwa continued to put pressure and landed some good hard shots. Kanat, adjusted defensively and started to retreat due to the Namibian’s power. In round five, Kanat dropped the Namibian with an overhand left hook to the chin. Kanat seen his opponent was wobbled put pressure but he seemed to punch himself out and would not get a second wind throughout the fight. Kautodonkwa survived round five due to his conditioning and toughness.

Throughout the fight, Kautodonkwa would not land anything significant in but it was clear that Kanat had little left in the later rounds. Kautodonkwa continued to move forward sensing he was behind on the cards, but Kanat started to retreat and used the ring to stay out of range.

Kautodonkwa great effort and toughness was not enough to convince the judges and awarded Islam with a controversial decision. Islam now 27-0, 21 KOs, and ranked #8 on the WBO rankings will most likely move up. It was not a great night for Kanat, but he did just enough to win and earn the decision.

Photo Credit: LESTER SILVA/QAZAQ PROMOTIONS