Albert Batyrgaziev emerged victorious in a thrilling 12-round battle against Neri Ariel Cruz Romero at Moscow’s Dynamo Volleyball Arena on Friday night. The 26-year-old Olympic gold medalist demonstrated resilience and stamina, overcoming his tenacious Argentine opponent with unanimous decision scores of 115-109, 116-108, and 113-110.
Batyrgaziev has successfully transitioned to professional boxing, utilizing a distinctive hunched southpaw stance and delivering swift jabs followed by hooks from both sides. However, this fight revealed a degree of vulnerability as it devolved into a fierce exchange of blows.
The initial two rounds favored Batyrgaziev before Romero intensified the pressure in the third. The hometown fighter was knocked down twice in the third round, first by a sweeping left hook and then again by a subsequent attack as he struggled to regain his footing.
Batyrgaziev narrowly avoided a third knockdown when a firm right hand destabilized him. Attempting to recover in the fourth, Batyrgaziev faced a setback as the referee deducted a point for punching Romero while he was down.
Later in the fourth round, Batyrgaziev reversed the momentum, forcing Romero to the canvas with a powerful two-fisted assault. The Argentine boxer showed signs of fatigue and utilized the count to recover.
Romero absorbed numerous punches as the fight progressed, enduring the punishment and continuing to counter until the end. Batyrgaziev was visibly shaken again in the ninth round.
Batyrgaziev’s impressive work rate and endurance were key to his win. If he can refine his defense and maintain his composure, he has the potential to challenge top-tier fighters.
After retaining his WBA Interim super-featherweight title, Batyrgaziev, now with a record of 12-0 (8 KOs), called out Lamont Roach, the full champion who previously gave Gervonta Davis a tough fight. Batyrgaziev also expressed interest in facing Davis himself.
Romero suffered his first professional defeat, bringing his record to 18-1 (10 KOs). At 36 years old, this fight might have been his first and last opportunity at a major title. Despite the loss, Romero, who had primarily fought in the Americas, earned a significant payday for his performance.
