Kirilov denied title by judges in split vote

By JE Grant

WORCESTER, Mass. --- Luis Perez, 24-1 (15 KOs), Nicaragua, 114 ½, retained his IBF junior bantamweight title with a horrendously scored 12-round decision over Dimitri Kirilov, 28-3 (10 KOs), Russia, 114 ½ Saturday night.

In a bout that was virtually dominated by Kirilov from the opening bell, yet another IBF-related matter is the subject of controversy.

Kirilov mixed sharp right hands with left hooks over the top of southpaw Perez’ right hands, befuddled the titlist. Rounds 1 through 7 were virtual clinics, as Kirilov scored from various angles and was able to escape numerous punches from Perez.

Round 8 started much the same until Perez dug a right hook to the body and followed with a hook to the head. Kirilov dropped on his right side but rose immediately and returned to the attack.

Perez was able to outwork the tiring Russian in rounds 9 and 10 until, though both rounds were competitive and could have easily been scored for either fighter.

Kirilov closed strongly in rounds 11 and 12 and seemed to be pulling away in the lead.

Scoring of the bout was, charitably, unusual. Paul Barry 117-110 Kirilov; Mike Ancona 115-113 Perez; and David Hess 114-113 Perez. JEBoxing scored the bout 116-111 Kirilov.

The scoring marred an otherwise well-fought bout that featured solid professional fighters who were prepared for 12 hard rounds.

It seems that everything the IBF touches of late is tainted by controversy.

It won’t be long before people start asking hard questions.