THE Tajikistan crowd were sent home happy this evening as Bakhodur Usmonov forced a third-round stoppage win over Filipino visitor Albert Pagara. Headlining in the Tennis and Water Sports Palace, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, this was the main event of the IBA PRO 6 card, streamed live on the Boxing News YouTube channel.
Usmonov started strongly, boxing behind an educated left jab, guiding Pagara gently into the same corners he would ultimately fail to escape from. The Filipino visitor swayed his head from side to side in a Canelo-style motion, indicating that the punches avoided him.
The stocky away man tried to take centre ring in the second, but Usmonov was dictating the pace, landing a hard jab to the head, followed by swiping hooks downstairs. Usmonov dropped his hands briefly at the close of the session to have a closer look at Pagara, who had his back to the ropes once more. The local crowd increased the volume as their man turned up the heat.
Realising his opponent had little to offer, Usmonov planted his feet in round three, seeking to establish his dominance further. Pagara was shipping increasing punishment as the final 30 seconds came into view.
Pagara suggested he had been hit on the back of the head. Waved on by the referee, Usmonov needed little encouragement to uncork the artillery. Pagara decided he had had enough, failing to rise as the referee doled out a count.
Overall, a solid win for Bakhodur Usmonov, who enhanced his professional credentials in style. He picked up the WBA Gold lightweight title for his efforts. The crowd were invested from start to finish and a return to this venue is expected.
