Please Say A Prayer For My Friend Magomed Abdusalamov
By Robert Brizel, Head RCM Boxing Correspondent
My friend heavyweight contender Magomed Abdusalamov of Russia is in critical condition in a medically induced coma at Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. A blood clot and part of his skull were removed from his brain, and then a stroke has left him on life support with his wife at his side. 19-0 southpaw Mike Perez won a ten round decision over Mago at Madison Square Garden on November 2, 2013. One judge had the bout 95-94 for Perez, a one point win over Mago, making the decision questionable. Mago had 18 knockouts in 18 professional bouts as a southpaw and was well on his way to a world title with Sampson Lewkowicz and Sampson Boxing. Mr. Lewkowicz, along with promoters Lou DiBella and Leon Margules.
While not doubting the confidence of Mago, age 32, the 2005 and 2006 Russian Amateur Super Heavyweight champion, against Perez, age 28, a former Cuban Amateur National Championships heavyweight amateur silver medalist in 2007, the fact Mago held the WBC USNBC Heavyweight title was not sufficient enough for Mago to be matched against Perez.
Granted, it can be hard to evaluate the later round stamina of a fighter who has knocked everybody out in the early rounds, as a heavyweight or in any boxing division. The New York State Athletic Commission made one critical mistake in sanctioning the bout between Mago and Perez. Mago was still only a six round fighter. Perez was clearly a ten round fighter. I was ringside in Atlantic City when Mago stopped Victor Bisbal in five rounds last March 8, 2013. In September 2012, Mago came off the canvas in round one to stop a washed up Jameel McCline in round two in Moscow. Still, Mago, had never gone past the fifth round.
Perez had gone eight rounds with Zach Page in February 2009, and Ismail Abdoul in March 2011. Perez decisioned Page over eight rounds a second time in November 2011.
Perez’ ten round victory over Mago was his third consecutive 10 round decision win in a row, having decisioned Friday Ahunanya in December 2011, and Travis Walker in May 2013 over 10 rounds. Mago needed to have some eight and 10 round fights under his belt before fighting Perez. Before Mago, Perez won every round on every scorecard in the 54 rounds boxed in his five 8 and 10 round decision wins. Mago showed heart with Perez, but with a cut eyelid in round 7, things just did not go Mago’s way in the later rounds, though he did seem busier at times than Perez was. If and when Mago wakes up from his coma, his wife will be there at his side. Bantamweight boxer Z Gorres went through a similar situation to Mago in November 2009 after he won a ten round decision over Luis Melendez in Las Vegas. After two brain surgeries, Gorres has recovered though his left leg is in a brace for walking. Mago’s prognosis in unknown. My friends, say a prayer for Mago.
Contributions are being taken for Mago’s hospitalization and care via Matt Farrago at Ring 10 online at http://ring10ny.com/donate-2/
Other contacts and addresses for making contributions for Mago’s medical expenses will be posted shortly on Real Combat Media once the charities and trust fund established have provided verifiable places to send the money for Mago’s ongoing hospitalization and medical care.
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