Boxing - Russia vs USA

When you hear the words Russia, United States and boxing in the same sentence it's usually a hot topic. The Russian city of Novosibirsk has hosted the first amateur meet of Russian and American boxers in almost twenty years.

The standoff between Russian and American Olympic boxing teams dates back to 1969. Since then the sides’ annual meeting became a tradition. The fast approaching Olympic Games adds to the significance of this year's clash.

In the 54 kg category it was the Californian pan American and golden gloves champion David Clark against the 2007 world champion Sergey Vodopyanov. The Russian won 28-8.

In the 69 kg category the U.S. was represented by probably its strongest boxer. Demetrius Andrade has won the world championship once and the U.S. Open twice. His opponents track record is less impressive. Dmitry Ivanov only reached the final of the Russian Championship last year. Dmitry Ivanov managed to score 2 points late in the fourth round and narrowly won the bout.

In the 91 kg category it was the 2 time U.S. champion Christopher Dones against the Russian championship bronze medalist Sergey Kovalev. The Chelyabinsk native set things straight in the second round after this combination that knocked down the U.S. Army champion. The American was not able to recover and continued taking the punishment. 24-6 the final score.

Alabama native and national champion Deonte Wilder was up against the European champion Evgeni Romanov also in the 91 kg category. The American fighter managed to keep his a opponent at a distance in the opening round. But Evgeni Romanov left him no chance in the thirdwith a storm of punches that sent Deonte Wilder to the hotel early.