Tszyu vs Urkal Fight Report

By Mark Chekhanovskiy

24.06.01 - Russian born boxing hero, Kostya Tszyu successfully defended his WBA & WBC Junior Welterweight title against the tough German, Oktay Urkal on Saturday night in front of an enthusiastic crowd, by winning a unanimous 12 round decision over his number one ranked opponent.

Urkal (28-1, 10 KO's) was supposed to be a weak puncher but he proved to be anything but that in this fight, as he landed numerous power shots that seemed to sap the strength from Tszyu.

It took only one round until Tszyu, was showing the first signs of frustration. He had good reasons for that, because Urkal's hand speed, and footwork were extraordinary. Being aware of Tszyu's dangerousness at close range, Urkal smothered his Russian opponent continuously by clinching aggressively any time he got within range.This had the effect of nullifying the majority of Tsyzu's entire arsenal, as he was stifled by the grabbing tactics.

Both men decided against the customary, feeling out process in the first round, and instead engaged in all out war. They stood toe to toe in the center of the ring, exchanging huge blows to one another, and showing little regard for defensive tactics. Kostya's first attack briefly pinned Urkal against the ropes where he released a barrage of punches. He repeatedly forced Urkal back, but was beaten to the punch by the quicker German fighter. Towards the end of the round, Tszyu landed a sneaky left hook that briefly staggered Urkal, but the bell sounded before the Russian could follow up with his attack.

Tszyu came out quickly in the 2nd round and attacked Urkal with a powerful left hook and devastating right cross, but Urkal was able to make the Russian miss most of his punches. Midway through the round, Urkal began to connect with vicious right hands, that snapped back the head of Tszyu and had him looking surprised.

In the third, Urkal, landed a solid left hook that backed Tszyu up, and had him on the defensive.Urkal was able to land frequent jabs, while Tszyu appeared indecisive and wasn't punching much. Near the end of the round, Urkal, again landed a huge left hook that landed to the chin of Tszyu, and had him smiling in embarrassment. Once Urkal realized that Tsyzu wasn't the killer that was advertised, he attacked with little fear.

Tszyu started the fourth round quickly, and was able to land several left hooks and a right hand in the early going, but he slowed down towards the end of the round when he got hit by a huge right hand from Urkal. In round 5, both fighters exchanged power shots, and it was an even round on the Eastside score card. Perhaps the saddest part of this round, was the site of Tszyu, aimlessly following Urkal around the ring, trying to throw an occasional jab or hook, and getting his head snapped back by sharp blows in return for his work.

In rounds 6-11, Tszyu took control of the fight, and begin to batter Urkal around the ring with hooks, and straight rights. Urkal, was showing signs of wearing down under the constant pressure, and his face was reddening from the beating. In the 8th round, Tszyu landed a big right hand to the side of Urkal's head which appeared to have him hurt, but the Russian failed to capitalize on the opportunity and the chance to end the fight slipped away.

In the 12th round, Urkal fought with new enthusiasm, as he came out fast, and was able to land vicious left hooks. Urkal's blows sent Tszyu reeling backwards in full retreat, and seemingly hurt, but he quickly recovered and was able to reply with a thunderous left hook that stopped the attack. Urkal then landed a blizzard of blows, that Tszyu amazingly walked through to land a big right of his own.

At the fights end, Urkal's trainer lifted him up in the air in celebration of his good effort, while the crowd cheered him. Although Tszyu's victory was not in doubt, Urkal, being the underdog in this fight, had somehow won over the crowd with his grtty performance. If nothing else, he sure proved his worth as the number one challenger to me. The three judges scored it 116-112, 116-112 and 115-113. The Eastside had it 115-113.

Next up for Tszyu is Zab Judah. But the way Judah went through Vester, one has to wonder seriously how Tszyu could do against him. (Photos: AP)

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