HEAVYWEIGHT Viktor Faust lost his first fight in bizarre and brutal fashion.
The Ukrainian heavyweight, now 11-1, was ahead on the scorecards against Cuba’s Lenier Pero until round eight.
A shot to the ribs caused Fraust to freeze, which left him defenceless to further strikes.
Pero continued to rein down blows as Fraust stood motionless by the ropes, leaving the referee to jump in and end the fight.
Faust said post-fight: “After the sixth round I had pain in my ribs, but I decided to continue the fight.
“The pain increased and did not allow me to compete to my full potential.
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“I understood that I was winning and controlling the fight during the bout.
“But after missing a punch in the eighth round, the pain was so unbearable that I could no longer move.”
Faust was then taken to hospital with suspected broken ribs after his shock loss.
Pero said: “It was a tough fight.
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“He’s a great fighter, so I started to build momentum and hit him. Then we finally came ahead in the final round.
“Since the first round, I was trying to find his liver, trying to go to his body.
“His punches weren’t that powerful, so I kept working. Then found that final shot.
“This is pro boxing, and you can’t turn your back on anyone. You can’t turn your back, and I didn’t. I took advantage…
“I’m setting my sights on England. Let’s see if the Brits would like to come to fight Stateside.
“I would welcome them with open arms. I’m talking Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois. Bring them on!”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
