Egidijus Kavaliauskas drops and stops Mikael Zewski in round 8

Egidijus Kavaliauskas and Mikael Zewski went back and forth for most of the night, but heavy hands landed, and something had to give. 

Welterweights Egidijus Kavaliauskas and Mikael Zewski aren’t big names in boxing, but they combined to put on an excellent show as the main event of Top Rank’s Saturday, Sept. 12 card.

Kavaliauskas (22-1-1, 18 KOs), better known as the “Mean Machine,” and Zewski came into their showdown, each with a lone loss on their records. Kavaliauskas had a good showing against WBO champion Terence Crawford in December but absorbed too much punishment and was stopped in round 9.

Zewski (34-2, 23 KOs) brought a nice record to the ring but lacked notable opponents on his résumé.

In rounds 1 and 2, Zewski set the tone. His jab was more active and accurate. He also connected with several right crosses to Kavaliauskas’ head.

Zewski attempted left hooks to open round 3. He used them to try to set up a right that partially landed. He would come back to the right hand repeatedly throughout the round. Zewski was the busier fighter. Kavaliauskas popped Zewski’s head back with several jabs, but they came one at a time.

In round 4, Kavaliauskas’ right eye started to swell, but he began to find his rhythm.

Kavaliauskas was more aggressive in round 5. He kept Zewski moving back and started to mix in his left hook in between jabs. Kavaliauskas did enough to win the round.

Zewski looked better in round 6 as he started to score with right hands again, but Kavaliauskas came back in round 7.

Egidijus Kavaliauskas didn’t have an easy time with Mikael Zewski, but he turned up the heat when he needed to the most.

Kavaliauskas hurt Zewski with a left hook to the body that made him stop punching. The round was almost over when Kavaliauskas buried a right uppercut into Zewski’s jaw that sent him reeling. Kavaliauskas landed a left hook and successive rights that pounded Zewski to the canvas. Zewski got up at the count of 9 and was saved by the bell.

Several seconds into round 8, Kavaliauskas dropped Zewski again with a right cross, and the referee immediately stopped the fight.

At the time of the stoppage, Kavaliauskas was down on two of the three judges’ scorecards.

During the post-fight interview, Kavaliauskas said, “I was controlling the fight. I was never in danger. I was never hurt.

“I saw him slowing down round by round.”

Kavaliauskas would like another crack at Crawford. PBC has most of the top-rated welterweights, so Crawford might not have many choices. It was a good win for Kavaliauskas with an ending that will leave a lasting impression.