By Francisco Salazar

Junior middleweight contender Kanat Islam made his triumphant ring return in quick and spectacular fashion.

Islam immediately dropped Julio De Jesus, forcing a quick stoppage in the opening round late Friday night at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

It was Islam’s first fight in almost two years, a ninth round knockout victory over Canada’s Brandon Cook in September of 2017. Islam was out of the ring after suffering an ankle injury during training camp in Oxnard, California in the spring of last year.

De Jesus came in with an impressive record, but had mostly fought as a junior welterweight. His only loss of his career was by knockout to former junior welterweight contender Victor Cayo in August of 2012.

Immediately after the opening bell, Islam landed an overhand right to De Jesus’ head that slumped him against the ropes. Islam immediately followed up with another overhand right, dropping De Jesus face-first to the canvas.

Referee Yury Koptsev immediately stopped the fight in 14 seconds, thrilling the partisan and sold-out crowd in attendance.

With the win, Islam, who is now managed by Egis Klimas, improves to 26-0, 21 knockouts. De Jesus, who resides in San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic, drops to 27-2, 24 KOs.

Another fighter managed by Klimas was also victorious Friday night in Almaty.

Junior middleweight prospect Madiyar Ashkeyev remained unbeaten, notching a technical decision victory over Igor Faniyan (16-21-3, 8 KOs) of the Ukraine. All three judges scored the bout 70-63 in favor of Ashkeyev, who improves to 13-0, 6 KOs. Ashkeyev is from Kazakhstan, but now lives and trains in Oxnard.

Heavyweight Rusland Myrsatayev (6-0, 6 KOs) knocked out former heavyweight contender Danny Williams at 51 seconds of the fourth round. The 45-year-old Williams dropped to 53-27, 40 KOs.

The card was promoted by Qazaq Promotions.

Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing