Former WBA Champion Denis Lebedev, named WBA champion in recess, hasn't been seen in the ring for more than a year. Altunkaya, meanwhile, was just 1-2 in his latest fights, lost inside the distance to both Krzysztof Glowacki and Beibut Shumenov, the last time just two months ago in Astana.
It was been discovered that Lebedev was in another league when compared to WBA #9 Altunkaya, 30, even despite understandable rust after a long lay-off and some wear&tear following a number of hard-scrap battles in his rampaging career. The first round, however, was tedious, Altunkaya utilized his footwork to move well along the ropes, while Lebedev wasn't that successful in cutting off the ring.
Things got better for the Russian in the second round. Altunkaya was winning the jab contest but Lebedev, unrated yet with a history of titles behind his back, began to corner his opponent more smoothly. His punches got meaner, his glances felt dangerous, and he finally put Altunkaya down with a solid left hook to the liver. Altunkaya was dazed but showed toughness surviving until the final bell. The break, however, was too short for the Turk, as he began to get pummelled from the opening bell of round three, Finally, and overhand left to the temple of Altunkaya staggered him and put him down for the count.
Time of stoppage was 1:02. Lebedev increased his record to 31-2, 23 KOs, while Altunkaya drops down to 30-3, 17 KOs.
Zauer Abdullaev (10-0, 6 KOs) got the biggest win of his young career with a twelve round unanimous decision over world title challenger and tested veteran Hank Lundy (29-7-1, 14 KOs).
The scores were 115-113, 117-112 and 118-110.