ONE World Welterweight Champion Ben “Funky” Askren needed to dig deep in besting Russian rival Nikolay Aleksakhin, who missed weight, to close out ONE Global Rivals Friday evening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The American wrestler had his way in the early moments of the bout as he was able to take Aleksakhin with ease in the first two rounds. Moreover, Askren punished his opponent with short strikes and knees to the head in the first ten minutes of the fight.
In the third canto, Aleksakhin went with his jabs to avoid the takedowns. He found success early on in the round and was able to sprawl a takedown attempt by Askren. However, fatigue set in for the Russian as just fell on the floor for another takedown in favor of the champion.
Jabs by Aleksakhin again started the fourth round that frustrated Askren. With 3:40 remaining in the round, Askren went for a shoot but was met by a huge head kick that resulted to a cut to the bridge of the nose of the American. “Funky” though was able to recover and takedown his opponent. Askren though was swept on the ground by the Russian and connect with a few shots to close-out the round.
In the final frame, Askren was able to connect on a takedown early in the round and connected with sharp knees to the head of the prone Aleksakhin. The Russian went for broke to close-out the fight but proved to be too late as the 31 year old American took the decision.
“He was tough and he did not quit,” Askren praised his opponent. “I did not expect how strong he was. When I had him in the crucifix, he easily threw me off.”
Askren though plans to donate the 20% penalty of Aleksakhin to Children’s Home here in the Philippines. “It’s better to give the money to a good cause,” he said.
Askren is still unbeaten in 15 bouts while Aleksakhin falls to 16-4.
Result: Ben Askren def. Nikolay Aleksakhin via unanimous decision
