By Dmitry Mikhalchuk (ringside) / Photos: boxnews.com.ua

Valentyn Kuts (21-1, 8 KOs) is a new EBA lightweight champion, following a hard-fought razor-thin split decision over Sweden-based Ugandan Sam Rukundo (now 15-2-1 with 6 KOs). The fight ended several hours ago at “FreeStyle” Sports Complex in Kiev, Ukraine. Scores were 115-114 (twice) for Kuts and 113-116 for Rukundo.

In a co-main event of the evening, short (5’4’’) but powerful Georgian Avtandil Khurtsidze (21-1-2, 13 KOs) became the first one to stop game but overmatched Hungarian veteran Mihaly Kotai (36-4-1, 16 KOs). WBA #5 and WBO #11 ranked middleweight Khurtsidze dropped Kotai in rounds two, five and seven; and the fight has been stopped for good in round eight on the advice of ringside physician. Khurtsidze retained both this EBA and WBA I/C titles in the process.

The entire show was staged by K2 East Promotions and Elite Boxing Promotion.