26-year old Ukrainian stylist Maxim “Tiger” Bursak (22-0-1, 8 KOs) continued his rise in ranks with a lopsided win over tough but limited Argentinean opponent Carlos Adan Jerez (31-14-3, 17 KOs). The fight was a headliner of another show, produced by K2 Promotions at “Kobzov” Concert Hall in Kiev, Ukraine.

Bursak proved to be a better technician even though Jerez was capable enough to give him some fits. However, he was too cautious and too inactive to give the Ukrainian any significant problems. Bursak was way more willing to score not only a win but a stoppage but his liver shots failed to get this job done. He was also a bit rusty after a lengthy lay-off, which also helped Jerez to last the distance. Scores were unanimous in favour of the local fighter: 120-106 across the boards. Jerez was deducted two points for a dangerous use of his head. Bursak, who is ranked #6 by the WBO at 160 lbs and #9 by the IBF at 168 lbs, successfully retained his WBO I/C regalia.

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IBF #6 ranked light heavyweight Vitaly Rusal (27-3, 19 KOs) was bitterly upset by unheralded compatriot Olexander Cherviak (10-2, 2 KOs) for the second consecutive time. In December, Rusal, a prohibitive favorite to win that fight, lost a competitive unanimous decision but this time it was much faster. In the first round, Cherviak fired a big left hook to the whiskers of Rusal, caught him unbalanced, and Vitaly went down crushingly. His head hardly hit the canvas, and he was unable to continue. KO 1 – for Cherviak, who went from a sorry journeyman to Ukraine’s new hope in just two domestic fights.

WBO #4 light welterweight Sergey Fedchenko (28-1, 13 KOs) was very lucky to get an undeserved majority decision over previously unbeaten compatriot Artiom Ayvazidi (10-1, 5 KOs) after eight close rounds. Fedchenko was better in starting rounds but faded down the stretch of the fight. Local audience has notable booed the verdict.
WBA #4 and the EBA heavyweight champion Alexander Ustinov (23-0, 18 KOs) got a stoppage win over so-called Bolivian “boxer” Guido Santana (11-4-2, 7 KOs) in the first round. Santana was unable to defeat his own fear and was rapidly down thrice after barely precise shots by the Russian.

Highly ranked (WBA #4, WBC #14 and WBO #15) light heavyweight Vyacheslav Uzelkov (23-1, 14 KOs) became the first ever to stop durable Russian Ivan Maslov (7-9-1). Uzelkov dominated his game opponent and forced referee to halt the action in round seven after several unanswered punches. It’s worth noting that Maslov usually fights between welterweight and middleweight divisions.

Other results:
Olexander Spyrko (12-0, 7 KOs) TKO 1 Vitaly Charkin (0-11)
Konstantin Rovenskiy (16-0, 3 KOs) UD 8 Mikola Korenev (2-9)