Astana Arlans in semifinals despite first defeat

The Astana Arlans has made it in the semifinals of the World Series of Boxing despite losing to Italian Thunder on April 25 in Bergamo, Italy, Tengrinews reports.

Italians were the first in the fifth season to defeat the Kazakhstani powerhouse.

Italian Thunder and Astana Arlans. Photo © Marcello Giulietti

The Arlan veteran Miras Zhakupov lost by a split decision to Gaurav Bidhuri in the flyweight division (-52 kg). In the following lightweight category (-60 kg), Roman Shegrinov was defeated by Donato Cosenza by the unanimous decision. The debutant of the 5th season Arslanbek Shymbergenov dominated the ring in the fight against Adam Patrick Nolan in welterweight (-69 kg). Shymbergenov won the first bout of the night with 3:0. Previously undefeated Croatian Arlan Hrvoje Sep lost to Valentino Manfredonia in the light heavyweight division (-81kg) sealing the victory of the Italian team over the Wolves. In the final bout of the night, the superheavyweight (+91 kg) Filip Hrgovic KOed Alessio Spahiu in the 2nd round bringing the score to 2:3 in the favor of Italian Thunder.

Filip Hrgovic. Photo courtesy of vesti.kz.

Captain Samat Bashenov. Photo courtesy of vesti.kz

The victory over the Arlans gave Italians a chance to compete for a place in the semifinals of the WSB. In the quarterfinal bouts, Italian Thunder faced Russian Boxing Team. The Russian team beat the Italians 9:1 in Moscow. Now, the Russians are facing the Arlans in the semifinal bouts in Astana on May 23 and 24. The last Astana Arlans-Russian Boxing Team fight took place in season 4. Since then both teams have undergone a few changes. So, after the striking victory over the Italians, the Russian team has a good chance of taking the Arlans down. Meanwhile, Cuba Domadores will fight Mexico Guerreros in the semi finals on May 21 and 22 in La Habana, Cuba.

Arlans’ former Head Coach Sergey Korchinskiy predicts the Kazakhstan-Cuba fight in the final. The two teams fought in the final bouts of the 4th Season. The 3rd Season Champion team from Kazakhstan lost to the newcomers from Cuba.

So far, the Wolves have had a tremendous season crushing their opponents week after week. The unification of Arlans with the national team proved to be fruitful allowing the team to try out more fighters throughout the season. The Wolves have a better chance to defeat their main opponent Cuba Domadores this season and hopefully reign the World Series of Boxing once again.

By Gyuzel Kamalova