Following the first leg of the World Series of Boxing (WSB) quarter-final when Ukraine Otamans inflicted a tough 5-0 on Azerbaijan Baku Fires in Kyiv, the whole boxing word is in a fever of expectation for the second leg in Baku. A major reason of excitement stands in the presence of two-time Olympic Champion and two-time AIBA World Champion, 25-year-old Otamans Vasyl Lomachenko and Azerbaijan Baku Fires' top boxer, AIBA World Champion in Chicago, Albert Selimov.

The Ukrainian supremo Lomachenko and the highest ranked Lightweight (57-61kg) Selimov have just met twice in their career, but their confrontations are since in the legend of the sport. Lomachenko is unbeaten since 2007, with the exception of against Selimov, who smudged this perfect pathway defeating the Ukrainian idol in a narrow final at the AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007. Since then, Lomachenko was dreaming of revenge. That happened a year later when the Ukrainian eliminated Selimov in the first preliminary round of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games before winning the gold medal and the best boxer trophy.

Losing the match as well as the invincibility of their Middleweight superstar, Astana Arlans Kazakhstan will keep a pretty bad memory from their trip to Argentina for this last World Series of Boxing (WSB) quarter-final first leg. Alberto Ezequiel Melian, Brian Castaño and Yamil Peralta have given a short but key advantage to Argentina Condors, a week before a tense return leg.

First on the ring at Bantamweight (50-54kg), Melian did not know what to expect, facing the most mysterious Arlans of the night, Elik Abdraimov. Controlling the fight all the way with his aggressive style and quick combinations, the Condor has won each and every single round in the opinion of all the judges. With this clean victory, he has extended his WSB record to 3-1 and offered his team great hopes.

Benefiting from the World Series of Boxing (WSB) huge experience of four of their boxers, defending Champion Dolce & Gabbana Italia Thunder has taken a clear advantage over its Polish opponents after this quarter-final first leg at the Hala Osir in Zawiercie. Considering that their line-up will probably be as strong next week, the Italians have one foot in the semi-finals.

Clearly considered as the underdog in the opening Bantamweight (50-54kg) contest, Hussars Poland Mateusz Mazik has put all of his strength in his battle against experienced Beijing 2008 bronze medallist Vincenzo Picardi. Showing a very aggressive style during the entire bout, Mazik was however not touching much, having to deal with a very dodging Italian. Although the Pole won the last two rounds, that was not enough to prevent the first point from going to the other side.

Having lost only once in a very promising night at London's York Hall, the British have taken a good option against the Guerreros in the World Series of Boxing (WSB) quarter-finals. Wins for Andrew Selby, Joe Ward, John Joe Nevin and Joe Joyce sealed the win to continue the Lionhearts strong home form.

Opening proceedings at Light Heavyweight (80-85kg), Irishman Joe Ward has not disappointed his fans who were expecting an easy way out against Albanian Mexico Guerreros Christian Demaj. Controlling the fight from the first to the last second, Ward has had absolutely no doubt during the five rounds, winning each and every one of them in the opinion of the three judges.