After a three-year hiatus, Ukrainian boxer Taras Shelestyuk made a triumphant return to professional sports, scoring a stunning technical knockout victory over American Roddricus Livesey. The bout took place on July 4 in Shreveport (Louisiana, USA).
39-year-old Shelestyuk, who competes in the welterweight category (up to 69 kg), fought his first fight since March 2022. His opponent was supposed to be Argentine Cristian Javier Ayala, but due to the Argentine's injury, the lineup was changed. American Rodricus Livesey, a lower-rated but dangerous boxer with 12 wins (9 by knockout) in his track record, came in as a replacement.
The fight ended in the second round. Shelestyuk, who entered the ring in excellent physical shape, immediately took the initiative into his own hands. At the decisive moment, he cornered his opponent and sent Livesey to the canvas with an accurate left-handed side kick. The referee stopped the fight, recording an early victory for the Ukrainian.
This result allowed Taras Shelestyuk to maintain his undefeated status: he now has 20 wins (14 by knockout), 1 draw, and no losses.
Shelestyuk's last official fight was in March 2022, when he fought a tense fight with Venezuelan Gabriel Maestro, which ended in a draw. The long break in his career was due to both personal circumstances and the turbulent situation in the boxing world against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.
Taras Shelestyuk is one of Ukraine's most successful boxers. In 2012, he won bronze at the London Olympics, and in 2011, he became the world amateur champion.
A triumph in Shreveport could mean that the Ukrainian has serious intentions to continue his professional career and fight for titles again. Fans are eagerly awaiting news about his next opponent and potential rating fights.
