Abdulaev KOs Rivera / Chagaev outpoints Isaac

12.05 - In a battle of unbeaten welterweights, Mohamad Abdulaev scored a third-round knockout over Juan C. Rivera in the main event on ShoBox. In the co-feature, unbeaten heavyweight Ruslan Chagaev won a unanimous eight-round decision over Christopher Issac.

Abdulaev (8-0, 6 KOs), of Uzbekistan, dominated from the opening bell, and floored Rivera with impressive combinations in the first, second and third rounds. Abdulaev earned his sixth knockout in eight bouts when referee Elmo Adolph stopped the fight only 16 seconds into the third-round. The native Uzbekistanian captured the gold medal in the 139-pound division by defeating Ricardo Williams 27-20 in the finals at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. During a stellar amateur career, Abdulaev won two titles and more than 270 bouts. The pride of Uzbekistan turned pro at age 27 on April 6, 2001, and shutout Mahan Washington across four rounds in Las Vegas, Nev. Less than one month ago in his last contest, the 28-year-old beat Joel Salas in Las Vegas, Nev., when Salas was disqualified for repeated low blows in the ninth round on April 14.

Rivera (12-1, 10 KOs), of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, was unable to find any rhythm against the fast, hard-hitting Abdulaev. Rivera turned pro at age 19 in October 1997 and stopped his first nine opponents within four rounds. After campaigning exclusively out of his native Puerto Rico for his initial six contests, Rivera made his United States debut with a third-round TKO over Jose Acosta on Aug. 22, 1998, in Miami. Following four additional victories in the city, Rivera made a triumphant return home by registering a six-round victory over Alejandro Jimenez on Oct. 28, 2001, in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

Chagaev (5-0, 4 KOs), of Uzbekistan, floored Issac in the third-round with an impressive left hook. The former Olympian was able to attack his opponent's body and connect on a few devastating uppercuts and left hooks throughout the fight. Chagaev fought smart, which enabled him to win a unanimous eight-round decision. Judges Keith Hughes and Paul Sita both scored the fight 79-72, while judge Robert Williams saw it 80-71, all in favor of Chagaev. Chagaev, a two-time world amateur champion, defeated legendary Cuban boxer Felix Savon to capture the gold medal at the 1997 World Championships. After being stripped of his crown for having two pro fights prior to the championships, Chagaev was reinstated as an amateur when the fights were declared exhibitions. The undefeated southpaw returned to win a gold medal in the super heavyweight division at the 2000 World Championships, and made it to the quarterfinals of the 2000 Olympics.

Issac (6-4, 6 KOs), of Montgomery, Ala., fought an impressive toe-to-toe battle. Never backing down, he managed to fight straight ahead and work his jab well. Issac, who was able to withstand the hard-hitting Uzbekistani for most of the night, landed some heavy blows that helped slow Chagaev. Issac tied for third in the super heavyweight division at the 2000 U.S. Championships in Colorado Springs, Colo. The Alabama native turned pro at age 28 on Sept. 16, 2000, and floored Spurgeon Bishop in the opening round in Ozark, Ala. After completing his rookie year with three first-round knockouts, Isaac opened 2001 by stopping his first two opponents in the second round.