Arsen Goulamirian impresses with hard-fought win over gutsy Mark Flanagan

In an instant classic Arsen ‘Feroz’ Goulamirian 24-0 (16) stopped a very game and dangerous Mark ‘Bam Bam’ Flanagan 24-6 (17) in nine rounds to successfully defend his interim WBA cruiserweight title at the Palais de Sports in Marseille, France on Saturday night.

The 31-year-old Goulamirian, who making the first defence of the interim crown he won against previously undefeated Ryad Merhy in March, was put under pressure through the first four rounds as the Australian challenger applied relentless pressure and attacked the body without remorse.

In the corner between rounds Goulamirian’s renowned trainer, Abel Sanchez of Mexico, urged his charge to up his workrate to regain control of the fight.

The hard-headed North Queenslander had clearly learned from his loss to Russian world champion Denis Lebedev last year, letting his hands go against the physically imposing Armenian-born French citizen who trains out of Big Bear, California.

Goulamirian had a strong fifth round – his best of the fight – landing some good right hands including one late in the frame that appeared to hurt the 28-year-old Aussie. Sanchez wanted his boxer to put his punches together more.

“We can’t wait on him,” said Sanchez. “We have to throw more than one. Don’t rely on the right hand. Up and down, up and down.

“Don’t let him land so much. You’re landing one, he’s landing four.”

Goulamirian got his jab going in the sixth, using it to disguise his right hand and bloody Flanagan’s nose. Despite losing the round Flanagan had his moments, including a five-punch combination late in the frame.

In the seventh and eighth rounds Goulamirian upped his pressure, walking down the naturally smaller Flanagan and landing thudding punches to the head with both hands.

Sanchez continued to urge his man on.

“You’re throwing one or two and he’s throwing a lot more, you understand?” Sanchez implored him. “This is a very close fight. Trust me.”

In the ninth round Goulamirian caught Flanagan no the ropes and pummeled him to the canvas. The Australian was quickly up and looked like he was going to survive the round until he got caught on the ropes again and bludgeoned to the canvas for the second time in the round.

Showing incredible resiliency and heart, Flanagan was again quickly back to his feet and wading in to the fray, but a couple more clean shots from Goulamirian was enough to prompt his corner to throw in the towel.

Flanagan was shattered by the loss but took the result on the chin.

“Heartbreaking to say the least but it was a very good, hard fight,” he said. “It was a war from bell to bell and I’m proud of my effort and corner for doing what they thought was right.

“It was a competitive fight and I’m trying to hold my head up high. Better man won tonight.”