San Diego’s Denis Grachev pulls off yet another upset
Denis Grachev's support group includes (l to r) Mark Dion, his manager, Grachev, and coaches Manny Melchor and Baruch Ferreira. Photo credit: Jim Wyatt
Tonight in Providence, Rhode Island, somebody’s in trouble. When you have a top prospect like undefeated super middleweight Vladine Biosse in your stable, the idea is to keep bringing in softer opponents so you can build up his record. How could this guy from San Diego by the name of Denis “The Pirate” Grachev be flying so far under our radar?
Believe me, it’s only a matter of time before everyone knows the name – Grachev. For the past couple of years he’s been like that fly paper hanging from the ceiling, catching every unsuspecting bug that dares to come his way. If you don’t want to box, he’ll take you on in the Mixed Martial Arts. Because he’s so discreet, low-key, without all the usual hype and bravado, he stays centered, on course to become a champion.
Tonight’s victim, Biosse, now goes to (11-1-0, 6 KOs). Next week, who knows. It could be Mikkel Kessler. In Biosse’s earlier quotes there were the references to Grachev’s kicking prowess, “As long as he doesn’t kick me, I should be all right.” No you’re not going to be all right. Grachev can handle the situation whatever the rules – using the eight limbs or just two.
Grachev (10-0-1, 5 KOs) of City Boxing in San Diego’s Downtown made a very impressive statement at the Fox Theater inside the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, CT by defeating the hometown hero. At first, it was Grachev’s plan to work the midsection which in turn soften up his opponent. That opened Biosse up for Grachev to land his powerful left hooks to the side of Biosse’s head. Biosse went to the canvas three times during the fight en route to the fourth round stoppage. Referee Joey Luppino stopped the bout at 2:56 of the fourth.
Super middleweight and former world title challenger Elvin Ayala won his third fight in a row after battering veteran George Armenta for four rounds. Armenta was unable to come off his stool to start round number five. With the fourth round TKO victory, Ayala improves to (23-5-1, 11 KOs), while Armenta falls to (13-7, 11 KOs).
“Slick” Rick Dawson, the brother of former light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson, won a four round unanimous decision over Odias Dumezil (3-6, 1 KO). Dawson won the bout with his speed and ability to slip punches. With the victory, he improves his record to (4-0, 1 KO).
Over the first three rounds, Thomas Falowo was completely dominating Zack Thomas and then finally referee Danny Schiavone called a halt to the action after he decided Thomas could no longer defend himself. With the victory Falowo improves to (3-0, 3 KOs) while Thomas falls to (1-4-1).
In a four round heavyweight bout, Macon, Georgia’s Tobias Rice (3-3, 2 KOs) won a four round unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Jevon Langford (6-1, 6 KOs). Scores of the bout were 40-37 and 39-37 twice. Langford, a former Cincinatti Bengals football player, fought for the first time in eight years. He showed his power early but then got out-worked by Rice in the final rounds.
New Bedford, Massachusett’s Johnathan Vazquez (4-0, 3 KOs) kept his perfect record intact after winning a hard fought four round unanimous decision victory over Buffalo, NY’s Andrew Jones (0-6-1). All three scorecards had him ahead, 40-36, 39-38, and 39-37. Jones was the first boxer to take Vazquez the distance.
Christian Lao (2-0, 1 KO) won his second fight by soundly defeating Barrington Douse (0-1) with a four round unanimous decision. All three judges had him ahead 40-36.
