10 years ago
Matvey Korobov vs Andy Lee
Date: 13th December 2014
Venue: The Cosmopolitan of Las VegasTitle: vacant WBO World Middleweight Title
Promoter: Top Rank, Golden Boy Promotions
Referee: Kenny Bayless
Tv: HBO World Championship Boxing
Matvey Korobov
(
24
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 159 1/2 lbs
Andy Lee
(
33
-
2
-
0
)
Weight: 159 3/4 lbs
In a clash for the vacant WBO World Middleweight Title, Andy Lee and Matt Korobov faced off on December 13, 2014, at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. Both fighters entered the ring with significant momentum: Korobov, a former Russian Olympian, held an unblemished professional record of 24-0-0, while Lee, an experienced contender from Ireland, boasted a 33-2-0 slate.
The bout, promoted by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, aired on HBO World Championship Boxing. Korobov, weighing in at 159 ½ lbs, and Lee, at 159 ¾ lbs, approached the fight cautiously in the opening rounds. As southpaws, they engaged in a tactical battle dominated by jabs and sporadic exchanges. Korobov demonstrated precision and control, allowing him to edge ahead on the judges' scorecards.
Through five rounds, Korobov appeared to be in command. Judges Tim Cheatham and Don Trella scored the fight 50-45 in his favour, while Richard Houck had it closer at 48-47. Despite trailing, Lee remained composed, waiting for the opportunity to unleash his vaunted power.
The fight's turning point came abruptly in the sixth round. A perfectly timed right hook from Lee landed flush on Korobov, staggering the Russian in the centre of the ring. Seizing the moment, Lee unleashed a barrage of punches, focusing on hooks as Korobov reeled under the onslaught. Referee Kenny Bayless stepped in to halt the fight at 1:10 of the round, awarding Lee the TKO victory.
The win marked a career-defining moment for Lee, who became the new WBO World Middleweight Champion. Reflecting on the victory, Lee credited his success to the guidance of his late trainer, Emanuel Steward, whose influence had shaped much of his career. Korobov, while visibly disappointed, acknowledged the decisive nature of the stoppage, admitting that Lee's hook had left him unable to recover.
The fight had significant implications for the middleweight division. Lee wanted to defend his newly acquired title in Ireland while potential unification bouts loomed, including one against Gennady Golovkin. For Korobov, the loss marked the end of his unbeaten streak but underscored his competitiveness at the elite level.