Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, Pa. - West Philly blue-chip prospect Atif Oberlton (8-0, 6 KOs) took a little time to warm up but once he did the busy southpaw showed off his body-punching and boxing ability in an impressive points victory over Artem Brusov (12-1, 11 KOs) in the eight-round, light heavyweight bout.

The 24-year-old Oberlton, who describes himself as an emerging fashion designer outside the ring, won by scores of 79-73, 78-74 and 78-74 to remain undefeated.

“I feel good and was glad I went the eight rounds,” Oberlton said. “It really showed my conditioning. A lot of guys who have my type of record early on in their careers don’t take advantage of the opportunities and taking on opponents like I am. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. He’s a guy from Russia and he’s no slouch. I started a little slow, but that’s the thing about pro boxing is you have more rounds to show what you need to show. I’m proud of myself tonight.”

The 6-foot-3 Oberlton was led into the ring by unified 122-pound champion Stephen Fulton Jr., and like Fulton, Oberlton controlled the distance and jabbed his way to a win. Trained by highly respected Philly trainer Shar’ron Baker, one of the few female trainers in the sport, Oberlton, a highly-decorated amateur, kept Brusov at bay with whipping uppercuts and a chopping left hand. 

Brusov, who is trained by former two-time title challenger Matt Korobov, emerged with a cut over his right eye following the first round, the result of an accidental head butt. Oberlton stunned Brusov in the second with a pair of left hands. Brusov landed a counter right in the sixth that briefly hurt Oberlton, and he finished strong with a hard left to end the eighth round, but those types of hard shots were the exception for the Russian now living and training in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as Oberlton cruised to victory.