Russian too strong and clever for ‘War Child’

Maemu throws in towel in round five

The Russian was too good for Rofhiwa “War Child” Maemu, who surrendered in the fifth round of the IBO junior lightweight championship in Russia at the weekend, said trainer Immanuel Mutavhatsindi, referring to Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov, who has 11 knockouts in 14 wins.

One of Rakhimov’s victims is former multiple world champion Malcolm “The Stone” Klassen – who turned his back after absorbing a number of punches to the head and body in the eighth round in February last year. Rakhimov – who is yet to taste defeat – won the title in 2017 and the 24-year-old left hander has defended it three times all by short-route wins. Maemu, 27, is a former ABU and WBA Pan African featherweight holder. He suffered his third stoppage loss in eight defeats against 18 wins and two draws.

He went to his corner after the fourth round, and almost immediately signalled the fight was off. It will come into the record books as the TKO 5 for Rakhimov, who is rated No 4 by the WBC and fifth by the IBF. Mutavhatsindi said: “No excuses... we surrendered in round five for Rofhiwa not to get hurt and be safe. There is always a next time. Russians are too strong and clever.” The last time Maemu got stopped within the distance was in 2013 by Paul Kamanga. Maemu’s previous loss, a points decision over 12 rounds, was in 2017 to SA featherweight holder Azinga “Golden Boy” Fuzile. He won his next six fights in a row before losing to Rakhimov.