Universum Box-Promotion will file an immediate protest over the result of Saturday's highly controversial WBA super lightweight title fight between WBA champion Souleyman M'Baye and mandatory challenger Andreas Kotelnik in Liverpool. M'Baye retained his belt with a draw in a bout most felt Kotelnik had won. It is Universum's second protest in regard to the fight. Before the bout, Universum had protested the WBA's selection of judges, as all three were British as is M'Baye's promoter Frank Warren.

Kotelnik asserted himself in the bout by boldly pressing forward against M'Baye, landing over and over again with good combinations to the body and head that had a clear effect on the world champion. M'Baye had some success counterpunching, but was often on the defense, utilizing the whole ring to escape Kotelnik's attack, especially over the last few rounds.

It appeared that Kotelnik had won the majority of the rounds and would be announced as the new world champion. However only judge Mickey Vann scored it for Kotelnik 117-112. Judge Paul Thomas favored M'baye 115-114 and judge Terry O'Connor had it even 114-114.

Despite keeping his belt, the reaction in M'Baye's corner was subdued as the knowledgeable crowd of 1,800 in Liverpool responded to the decision with a long, persistent chorus of boos and whistles.