Bray Loses Bout in Meet Against Soviets

Heavyweight Viktor Akshonov of the Soviet Union won a unanimous 3-0 decision over John Bray of Van Nuys on Tuesday, helping the U.S.S.R. to a 5-5 tie with the United States in the USA-USSR Amateur Boxing Dual in Orlando, Fla.

Akshonov, 199 pounds, was able to cut off the ring and peppered Bray, 201, with left jabs and hooks. There were no knockdowns in the three-round bout, but an Akshonov left jab snapped Bray’s head back and a standing eight count was ordered with 12 seconds left in the final round.

Akshonov, the 1988 Soviet heavyweight champion, had the advantage of experience over Bray. Akshonov is 27; Bray, ranked third by the USA Amateur Boxing Federation, will turn 19 on Saturday.

The United States seemed headed for a win, capturing the first five fights. But the Soviets won the last five, with light middleweight Dimitri Korsun taking a 2-1 decision from Paul Vaden of Puyallup, Wash., in the final bout.

The Soviets have dominated the series, which began in 1969, winning 33 times while losing seven. There have been four ties.