By Igor Lazorin, tass

Undefeated slugger Murat Gassiev has maintained his streak of wins with a split points decision over compatriot Denis Lebedev to win the IBF cruiserweight title.

Gassiev knocked Lebedev down in the fifth round with a hook to the body but the defending champion came back strongly late as the 23-year-old tired.

Gassiev won 116-112 and 116-111 on two scorecards, while 37-year-old veteran Lebedev took the third 114-113.

The win improves Gassiev to 24-0 after by far the biggest fight of his five-year pro career.

Lebedev, who drops to a 29-3 career record, remains the WBA champion at cruiserweight because the fight was only recognised as being for the IBF version of the title.

Hall of Fame trainer, Freddie Roach, was impressed by Gassiev's performance. He would like to see his fighter get a rematch.

"Right now a rematch is a matter of negotiations and money. Denis was perfectly executing the game plan, but knockdown prevented him [for executing that game plan for the entire fight]. Gassiev was a real beast in there, but we boxed well for the entire fight. A rematch would be a great opportunity," Roach said.

Well known trainer Abel Sanchez, who works the corner for Gassiev, was also impressed with his newest student.

"Murat executed the game plan,"  said Sanchez. "We achieved the desired result. It's a shame that he didn't manage to finish him off earlier, but this outcome suits us, Murat dominated."

Lebedev also offered some praise to Gassiev, stating that the young fighter was now beginning his big march at cruiserweight.

"I wouldn't say I lost that fight, but the referees have a better view and the stronger guy won," Lebedev said. "I think the Murat Gassiev era is starting."