Astonishing Arisnoidys Despaigne Perfectly Begins Cuba’s APB Journey

Cuba’s historic entry into AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) on Friday night in Kemerevo resulted in a debut victory for Welterweight (69 kg) Arisnoidys Despaigne (CUB), as he put on a boxing clinic against Dimitros Tsagrakos (GRE).

An elaborate opening at the Arena Sports and Entertainment Complex produced an electric atmosphere, and the many fans in attendance warmly received both fighters as they made their way to the ring.

Despaigne exuded confidence in the opening stages of the match, which began by the Cuban fighting off the back foot and using a sharp left jab to accurately deduce the correct angles for more dangerous attacks.

The dynamic footwork of the Cuban enabled him to bob and weave through and difficult moments, while Tsagrakos seemed content to bide his time with defence his main objective.

As the early rounds progressed, Despaigne’s shots began to carry more power, but Tsagrakos took them well, and on the rare occasions he let his own punches go, he managed to tag his decorated opponent with the right hook.

Those moments were all too rare however, with Despaigne’s elusive moment enabling him to begin boxing on the front foot, and a more physical match began to develop.

Although the Cuban AIBA World Championships silver medalist was winning the rounds, Tsagrakos grew in ambition through the middle stages, and never wilted despite the immense pressure he was facing.

By the beginning of round six, both men were in unchartered territory as neither had competed past five rounds in their careers, but despite wilting stamina, each athlete shook off any fatigue to constantly move forward as the war of attrition became an intensely entertaining contest.

Arisnoidys Despaigne (CUB) vs Dimitros Tsagrakos (GRE)

Despaigne opened up the seventh round with a series of blistering combinations, which perfectly showcased the full range of shots he has accumulated over the course of his lengthy career.

Tsagrakos yet again stood firm, and lasted through to the final bell of the eighth and final round.

After the scorecards from each of the three judges were handed in, Despaigne’s hand was raised by the referee, and it was announced he had the match won on each and every card by scores of 80:71, and 79:73 x2.

The performance of the Cuban was absolutely stunning, and represented a perfect start for his legendary boxing nation in APB.

He will next meet fellow 2013 AIBA World Championships bronze medalist Arajik Marutjan (GER) in Cycle I Round 2, after the German star widely outpointed Amin Ghasemi Pour (IRI).

Two further important matches took place in Russia, beginning with a surprise victory for Gyula Kate (HUN) over the number one ranked Ray ‘Boom Boom’ Okwiri (KEN).

Kate dominated the early stages of the match, before a valiant fightback from Okwiri took the fight to new levels.

It was the Hungarian competitor who eventually prevailed however, winning his first match in APB on two scorecards, with the third judge seeing the fight as a draw.

Arisnoidys Despaigne (CUB) vs Dimitros Tsagrakos (GRE)

His performance will be rewarded with a Cycle I Round 2 clash with Andrey Zamkovoy (RUS), and the winner of that bout shall earn a qualification quota for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, plus an APB title match against Welterweight Champion Onur Sipal (TUR).

Zamkovoy was forced to work hard in every second of his engrossing clash with Eimantas Stanionis (LIT), but ultimately prevailed by a narrow margin.

Supported passionately by his home supporters in Kemerevo, Zamkovoy made the most of his height advantage against Stanionis, whose pressure based tactics frequently made life very uncomfortable for his Russian rival.

After losing two of the first three rounds, Zamkovoy found his range from the fourth frame onwards, which eventually led to two judges awarding him the contest 77:75 and 77:74, while the third scorer had the fight level at 76:76.

Match results:

Arajik Marutjan (GER) W.P. (79:73/ 79:73/ 78:74) vs Amin Ghasemi Pour (IRI)

Arisnoidys Despaigne (CUB) W.P. (79:73/ 80:71/ 79:73) vs Dimitros Tsagrakos (GRE)

Ray ‘Boom Boom’ Okwiri (KEN) vs Gyula Kate (HUN) W.P. (75:77/ 75:77/ 76:76)

Andrey Zamkovoy (RUS) W.P. (77:75/ 77:74/ 76:76) vs Eimantas Stanionis (LIT)

History Is Written As Arisnoidys Despaigne Becomes The First Cuban Boxer To Compete In AIBA Pro Boxing On Tonight

History will be made tonight in Kemerovo, Russia, as a Cuban boxer will make his debut in AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) for the very first time during the Welterweight (69 kg) Cycle I Round 1 stage.

Fans will be able to watch the action live and free at 20:00 (GMT +6) on http://www.youtube.com/user/AIBAproboxingTV.

When 32-year-old AIBA World Championships silver medalist Arisnoidys Despaigne (CUB) makes his debut against Dimitros Tsagrakos (GRE), he will become the first Cuban fighter to compete in APB, and this news has been greeted with much interest across the boxing world.

With the full endorsement of the Cuban Government, a partnership was made earlier this year confirming that the International Boxing Association (AIBA) has become the exclusive partner for all Cuban boxers from the Cuban Boxing Federation whenever they compete in international boxing competitions, including APB.

“Cuba’s arrival in APB represents a further step forwards into making this competition one of the most vital and successful sporting systems in the world, and we are delighted to be welcoming Arisnoidys Despaigne to the format, as he is one of the most entertaining and fan-friendly Cuban boxers to watch,” said AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.

Cuba are one of the most successful nations in boxing history, having won a total of 67 Olympic Games medals, and have also earned a deserved reputation as a sporting nation built on pride and honour.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Teofilo Stevenson was one of the greatest boxers of his generation, but memorably declined an opportunity to face Muhammad Ali despite a huge cash offer, because he would have needed to defect from his beloved Cuba if he had accepted.

“What is one million dollars compared to the love of eight million Cubans?” remarked Stevenson at the time, and those values have remained a mainstay of the Cuban psyche to this very day.

The transparent judging, fair and equal system and reliable match format were all significant reasons for Cuba’s decision to join APB, and the organisation is delighted to welcome the country to the fold.

Mr. Alberto Puig de la Barca, President of Cuba Boxing Federation also expressed his excitement. “Cuba’s historic entry into APB has been an important step in the development of our boxers and we have immense pride in Arisnoidys Despaigne becoming the first of our athletes to display his skill and heart across this world class format,” he said.

Despaigne has enjoyed a very successful career in recent years, and won the deciding match in the Season IV World Series of Boxing Finals for Cuba Domadores.

Tsagrakos is seen as the underdog, but the two-time Greek National Champion has been competing since 1999, which means he will not be fazed by his decorated opponent in the ring.

Arisnoidys Despaigne (CUB) vs Dimitros Tsagrakos (GRE)

Three more matches will take place in Kemerovo, including an excellent contest between the number one ranked Ray ‘Boom Boom’ Okwiri (KEN), and Gyula Kate (HUN).

Okwiri stunned the boxing world in the first week of the APB Ranking Phase when he sensationally knocked out Marcos Nader, and the Kenyan made it all the way to the APB Inaugural Title Match where he was defeated by Champion Onur Sipal (TUR).

Kate is a highly experienced boxer who has twice finished on the podium at the AIBA World Championships, as well as earning two European silver medals across his distinguished career.

Although each fight is scheduled for over eight rounds, do not be surprised if this match in particular fails to go the distance.

As his nickname suggests, ‘Boom Boom’ carries devastating power in both hands, while Kate also boasts considerable strength, and needs to attack from the outset if he is to triumph.

The winner of the Okwiri/Kate contest will meet either Eimantas Stanionis (LIT) or Russia’s Andrey Zamkovoy (RUS) in Cycle I Round 2.

Both Stanionis and London 2012 Olympic Games bronze medalist Zamkovoy have identical 3-1 records in this competition, and their bout is expected to be a very entertaining clash with neither man known to take many backward steps in their fights.

Zamkovoy will enjoy home advantage of the support of the fans in attendance, while Stanionis is known to perform well under pressure.

Two debutants open the action in Kemerovo, with 2013 AIBA World Championships bronze medalist Arajik Marutjan (GER) facing Amin Ghasemi Pour (IRI).

Match schedule:

20:00: Arajik Marutjan (GER) vs Amin Ghasemi Pour (IRI)
20:30: Arisnoidys Despaigne (CUB) vs Dimitros Tsagrakos (GRE)
21:00: Ray ‘Boom Boom’ Okwiri (KEN) vs Gyula Kate (HUN)
21:30: Andrey Zamkovoy (RUS) vs Eimantas Stanionis (LIT)