Russian boxer Murat Gassiev has maintained his unbeaten record with a split points decision over compatriot Denis Lebedev to win the IBF cruiserweight title.
Gassiev knocked down Lebedev in the fifth round with a hook to the body but the defending champion came back strongly late as the 23-year-old tired.
Gassiev won 116-112 and 116-111 on two scorecards, while 37-year-old veteran Lebedev took the third 114-113.
The win improves Gassiev to 24-0 after by far the biggest fight of his five-year pro career.
Lebedev, who drops to a 29-3 career record, remains the WBA champion at cruiserweight because the fight was only recognised as being for the IBF version of the title.
