Always love watching this: Arbachakov had smooth, beautiful offensive footwork, and a great sense of distance. Kittikasem drops him in I wanna say the 3rd round, but other than that Arbachakov dismantles him for every second of the fight, culminated with a beautiful right hand KO. I think Yuri was a better pure talent than Tszyu - Tszyu just amassed a better resume, and had better longevity.
One of Arbachakov's best performances. Arbachkov was just brilliant that night and other than the KD (which he would later return right away) he was almost perfect. Very sharp textbook fighter and beautiful style to watch. The rematch was also a good showing as well.
He was excellent in the rematch also, but I think he was a tad bit sharper in the first fight. Kittikasem had zero answer for him in either fight.
I love that third round. Massive heart from both, and Kittikasem shows he's dangerous no matter what. Obviously Arbachakov was a different class all together.
Arbachakov currently runs his own gym in Japan. He was a fan of Ebihara, after his name was changed to his to boost his promotion.
Ebihara is very underrated IMO. He was a high class of fighter (which is really saying something in comparison to Yuri), strong, educated southpaw and a banger - that KO over Pone was seriously something. He faced very good opposition. I would have to pick him in decisive battle. I wish his bout with Harada was filmed. I always thought Yuri could lose focus in bouts and underused his left hook, which is a weapon he would need here. I think Ebi takes advantage. However, I must admit he deserves more watching from me.
