MOSCOW, December 1 (R-Sport) - Russian boxer Khabib Allakhverdiev has taken the vacant WBA super-lightweight title, beating Joan Guzman on a technical decision after the Dominican fighter suffered a leg injury.
Allakhverdiev was awarded the title on split decision when the referee ruled two-time former world champion Guzman could not continue after apparently twisting his knee.
The Dagestan-born fighter retains his unbeaten record, going to 18-0, after handing Guzman (33-1) the first defeat of his professional career.
Allakhverdiev registered the fight's only knockdown in the third round, connecting with two rights and a left hook.
The belt was vacated after Argentine boxer Marcos Maidana moved up a weight division.
Allakhverdiev unifies the title with his IBO light-welterweight crown, which was also on the line in Sunrise, Florida, on Friday.
Pundits called for a rematch instantly, with the fighters yet to respond.
Allakhverdiev’s recent record includes a sixth-round technical decision over former WBC, WBA and IBF lightweight champion Nate Campbell last year.
The 29-year-old earned a fourth-round knockout against South African Kaizer Mabuza in his most recent bout in June.
