The result all but assures Russia’s progression as Italy will need to win every fight and a tie-break to overtake their opponents when the match concludes tomorrow.

Russia were superb from start to finish, losing just two rounds across the five bouts in front of a lively home crowd.

Vadim Kudriakov opened the evening with a dominant performance in the light flyweight contest over Gianluca Conselmo to ensure the first Russian success in the fixture.

Kudriakov beat his opponent to the punch constantly, and despite a head clash in the second round, he kept his composure to widely outpoint Conselmo for the second time in WSB history.

Bantamweight Andranik Grigoryan then doubled the lead for Russia after an elegant win against Riccardo D'Andrea.

Grigoryan controlled the bout from the outset, as his powerful punches halted the advances of D'Andrea.

Russia took an unassailable first-leg lead following a fifth home victory of the season for light welterweight Vitaliy Dunaytsev.

Maksim Vislaukh was a tough and durable rival in the ring, but Dunaytsev exhibited his undoubted class en-route to a unanimous points decision.

Middleweight Petr Khamukov has been one of the best-performing boxers in WSB this season, and took his season record to 7-0 after winning every round against Salvatore Cavallaro.

Khamukov effortlessly displayed his punching repertoire against the rugged Cavallaro, who stood his ground and fought back regularly despite suffering countless power shots.

The 2013 International Boxing Association (AIBA) World Championships silver medallist Evgeny Tishchenko secured the whitewash with another decisive points win against Fabio Turchi in his heavyweight bout. 

Tishchenko, known for his tremendous stamina, improved as the fight progressed to win all but one round on the scorecards.


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