Bosnian and Herzegovinian (BiH) boxer Iron Puki achieved one of the most important victories of his career at the event held in Dornbirn (Austria), in an exceptionally good atmosphere.
As his team points out, Puki defeated the experienced and extremely dangerous Rashad Karimov, a fighter with an impressive professional record of 38 wins (34 by knockout) and only five losses, and deservedly claimed the WBA European title.
The first round passed in tactical probing with a few short exchanges, while the second round brought a much stronger pace and more serious punches from both sides.
In the third round, Puki takes complete control with precise, well-timed, and powerful punches, and then completely breaks the opponent’s resistance with four counts. The first knockdown came after a right hook that landed clean and changed the course of the fight, and the second came after a series of strong body shots, after which Karimov struggled to get up. Puki’s left uppercut, followed by a right hook, further disrupted Karimov’s rhythm, and the fourth knockdown came after a strong right hook, after which the referee stopped the match.
In this way, Iron Puki dominantly secured the new European WBA title.
Moreover, another fighter from Team Avdic, Edin Avdic, also celebrated, defeating the very experienced Fadhili Rajabu (15-1, 15 by knockout) by knockout in the second round. Team Avdic recorded two major victories that evening and now has two current WBA champions.
“This is an important result for our team and for BiH. Both fighters did their job at a high level,” said promoter Djordje Arsenic.
“I’m satisfied with the fight and happy that I won the European WBA title again. Rashad Karimov is truly a machine; he has incredibly strong punches, and I’m happy that I managed to beat such an opponent in such an impressive way. With this, I showed that I am world-class and that I belong among the top 4 percent of the best boxers in the world in my category. I dedicate this victory to all BiH citizens,” Puki said, Fena writes.
