The manager of a controversial super featherweight stopped by a light body jab has spoken exclusively to World Boxing News.
Grisha Zeigermaher, who handles Seymur Isayev’s career, told WBN was ’embarrassed’ by the stoppage that occurred on Friday in Chelyabinsk, Russia. Isayev faced Mark Urvanov, defending a 12-0 record on the night. However, the fight didn’t go as planned, as Isayev took a knee from a seemingly weak punch after just four seconds.
Urvanov moved to 24-3-2 as Isayev faced accusations of match-fixing and taking a dive.
Zeigermaher, who heads up GZ Fight Management, was at a loss to explain what happened after witnessing the baffling events from the corner.
Seymur Isayev’s manager speaks to WBN
“Regarding his four-second stoppage after a body check jab, the only word I can say is embarrassment,” Zeigermaher stated to World Boxing News. “We work hard to provide our fighters with opportunities and have never been involved in any match-fixing.
“We always do our best for the fighters so their chances of victory increase.”
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Describing what he saw from his vantage point, Zeigermaher added, “I was the cornerman; I just set my timer on, and after a weak check-punch, saw Seymur going down. I was embarrassed.
“My first thought was that it was a low blow or an injury. I rewatched the video, and had I been just a boxing fan in this situation, I would have thought that it was match-fixing as well. I agree that it does look like a dive. Personally, I’m not aware of any match-fixing or deliberate dive.
“I wasn’t involved in his preparation process, but according to him, he had a good two-month camp and was well prepared. The weigh cut went very well as well.”
Isayev entered the contest as arguably the favorite to win, having stopped ten of his previous twelve opponents. Urvanov, known as ‘Canelo ‘due to his cinnamon locks, wasn’t known for his punching power.
Nonetheless, Urvanov took the victory without breaking a sweat as the referee reached the count of ten, with Isayev unmoved from his knelt position.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
