By Zachary Alapi

In an absolutely gruelling and at times thrilling fight, late replacement Avtandil Khurtsidze (32-2-2, 21 KOs) stopped previously undefeated middleweight prospect Antoine Douglas (19-1-1, 13 KOs) in the final round of a scheduled ten at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Despite a 7.5 reach disadvantage and 20 foot ring that was supposed to benefit Douglas’ length and athleticism, Khurtsidze applied relentless pressure from the opening bell. Khurtsidze had no trouble bullishly working his way inside, and he was able to floor Douglas in the third round with a left hook and follow-up flurry that knocked Douglas through the ropes.

Douglas, to his immense credit, survived and even rallied in spots. Battling a cut due to accidental clash of heads in the second round on top of the knockdown, Douglas started to find his range and land combinations from distance. Both men (but especially Khurtsidze) kept up a torrid pace, which made for hellacious action in the middle rounds.

In round 7, a massive left hook dropped Douglas on his back, and it was frankly miraculous that Douglas survived the round. Douglas refused to hold but was shifty along the ropes, and Khurtsidze seemed arm-weary gunning for the knockout. But after a brutal ninth round, Douglas, who showed incredible heart, finally succumbed to the relentless Khurtsidze 33 seconds into the final stanza. Hopefully Douglas will learn from the loss, and Khurtsidze got a richly deserved victory.