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30/07/2006
Mike Borao, the attorney for heavyweight contender Ray Austin reacted today to charges that the draw between Austin and Sultan Ibragimov was politically motivated. Ibragimov's manager, Boris Grinberg told boxing writer Sharon Robb that Austin's affilaition with Don King was the reason Ibragimov didn't win. The IBF eliminator was a see-saw bout with both men credited with a knockdown, although Ibragimov was arguably down a second time, but it was ruled a slip. Had it been ruled a knockdown, Austin would have won by split decision. Borao responded, "I respect Ibragimov and his team but I don't know what fight he [Grinberg] was watching. Except for the six seconds Ray was down in round four, Ray clearly dominated rounds two through ten. In my judgment, Ray clearly won the fight, and if he was credited with the extra knockdown, the outcome wouldn't have even been at issue." With a shot at IBF champion Wladimir Klitschko at stake, there is a strong likelihood a rematch will take place. -Scott Shaffer
