Kurbanov vs. Smith

The official Tapology discussion thread for the event!

Kurbanov vs. Smith
Liam Smith, DEC
Liam Smith is really really unlikable.

Kubanov by decision! 

Kurbanov vs. Smith
Liam Smith, DEC
Liam Smith has more experience and has bigger names on his record than Magomed Kurbanov does.

Kurbanov is relatively young and even though undefeated, doesn't have any impressive names on his record, in fact i only recognize Diago Chaves and Dmitry Mikhaylenko and they are both journeymen.  I've watched a few of his fights and he has good skills, but is nothing special at all.  Employs a shoulder-roll technique, but still gets hit a lot.

Liam Smith isn't the most household name, but at least he has gone to battle with a better class of fighters than his opponent has.  He's probably in the prime of his career, but is really just a contender at best.  Smith is pretty scrappy and is a big test for the young russian.

If this fight was anywhere else aside from Russia, i would back Smith to pull out a victory. Nothing against Russia, but this is boxing and i always back the hometown (country) fighter, especially a young one with hype around him.  Another thing that steers me toward the Russian is the fact that Smith usually defends with that high guard leaving him open to the body.  Kurbanov TKO'd his last opponent with some heavy body shots.  I do still see this going the distance and it being close enough for the judges to give Kurbanov a victory.

Should’ve picked the Russian to win in Russia lol, had Smith winning that one 116-112

i had it 118-110

It went down almost exactly like i expected, the only difference was Smith dominated what i thought would be a closer fight.

It's boxing, this is the way it goes

Yeah I agree. That Smith won that fight but also, and more importantly, he was NEVER gonna get a decision in Russia versus the Russian home town favourite!!!!


It was a pretty good, close fight. Smith needed to win every round with a couple knockdowns to get the decision.