Kunkabayev faces late change of opponent
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We've known for a while that Kazakh hopeful Kamshybek Kunkabayev (2-0, 2) [Камшыбек Кункабаев] would be getting his first title bout on February 27th. Originally he was scheduled to face once beaten Northern Irish fighter Steven Ward (13-1, 4), in a bout for the WBO Asia Pacific Crusierweight title.
Other the last day or so it's been revealed that Ward is out of the bout and has been replaced by Uzbek born Ukrainian based fighter Server Emurlaiev (23-1, 8).
On paper this looks like a step up, with Kunkabayev taking on a man with more experience than Ward, who hasn't been blown out in a round and who's only loss was a split decision to former WBA "interim" world champion Stanislav Kashtanov. In reality however it's probably a down grade with Emurlaiev being a 35 year old who has fought just once since the end of 2012, and that was a DQ win over novice Ajmal Zarif. Emurlaiev is also a an better known for his exploits at Super Middleweight, rather than Cruiserweight.
Rather weirdly Emurlaiev's last bout came just 1 week ago, when he scored that DQ win over Zarif, that was his first bout since the loss to Kashtanov in November 2012.
Sadly this shouldn't be any sort of a test for Kunkabayev who we suspect will pick up the WBO Asia Pacific title without answering any questions. Whilst it's good to see a decent looking opponent at late notice, this is very much a case of smoke and mirrors in regards to Emurlaiev's record and potental.
Other the last day or so it's been revealed that Ward is out of the bout and has been replaced by Uzbek born Ukrainian based fighter Server Emurlaiev (23-1, 8).
On paper this looks like a step up, with Kunkabayev taking on a man with more experience than Ward, who hasn't been blown out in a round and who's only loss was a split decision to former WBA "interim" world champion Stanislav Kashtanov. In reality however it's probably a down grade with Emurlaiev being a 35 year old who has fought just once since the end of 2012, and that was a DQ win over novice Ajmal Zarif. Emurlaiev is also a an better known for his exploits at Super Middleweight, rather than Cruiserweight.
Rather weirdly Emurlaiev's last bout came just 1 week ago, when he scored that DQ win over Zarif, that was his first bout since the loss to Kashtanov in November 2012.
Sadly this shouldn't be any sort of a test for Kunkabayev who we suspect will pick up the WBO Asia Pacific title without answering any questions. Whilst it's good to see a decent looking opponent at late notice, this is very much a case of smoke and mirrors in regards to Emurlaiev's record and potental.