Cole Wins Unanimous Decision in First Title Bout Held in Russia

Al Cole won a unanimous 12-round decision over former champion Glenn McCrory of Britain today to retain his International Boxing Federation cruiserweight title.

Cole dominated the fight, frequently slamming McCrory against the ropes, backing him into the corners and knocking him down twice in the sixth round.

McCrory looked unsteady, but was saved by the bell at the end of the round.

“I was surprised in the seventh round, that after two knockdowns in the sixth, he recovered so fast and started to go forward,” Cole said.

“At the beginning, I had a good punch and I was surprised how he could continue after this. Later on, I hurt my right hand, and maybe it explains why I couldn’t throw the knockout punch.”

The bout, Cole’s second defense of the title he won from James Warring last July, was the first world championship fight to be held in Russia.

“McCrory really wanted to win this belt, and he came in the ring with some inspiration,” Cole said. “Glenn showed his will during the whole fight.”

Cole, 28, of Newark, N.J., has lost only once in 23 fights and has scored 11 knockouts.

McCrory, 28, is 30-8-1. He held the title for nine months in 1989-90 before losing it on Sept. 30, 1991, when he suffered a second-round knockout against Lennox Lewis, who is recognized by the World Boxing Council as heavyweight champion.