KNOCKOUT bonuses, performance motivators, and all manner of innovative perks have been introduced over the years in an attempt to spice up boxing bouts. Turki Alalshikh even suggested that a stoppage bonus would be introduced to the upcoming Canelo-Crawford clash as he bids to eradicate “Tom and Jerry” fights from the sport, where one boxer attempts to flee unscathed.
While this is more realistic than contracting rings or sparring sessions for show spots, it is designed to encourage fighters to fight, rather than run. The latest intriguing development within this trend involves an apartment being offered to pugilists in Dushanbe later today, provided they meet specific terms.
“If Boltaev or Usmonov win by the fifth round,” IBA president Umar Kremlev told the crowd ahead of this evening’s tournament, “they get an apartment. We’ll pick the coolest fan tomorrow and give him a [Toyota] Camry!”
While main-eventer Usmonov will have his eyes on the prize(s), undercard hopeful Davlat Boltaev, a 2024 Olympic bronze medalist, will also be keen to score the knockout. His unbeaten Nigerian foe, Solomon Adebayo, has a bit of a mean streak himself, having clocked up 13 knockouts from 14 wins during his career.
Serbia’s Vladimir Mironchikov (5-0) steps up in eight-rounder with Namibia’s Walter Kautondokwa (19-2), who once challenged Demetrius Andrade for the WBO world title in Boston.
