In what was billed as his final fight, ageless former world champion Firat Arslan (55-9-3, 40 KOs) knocked out Edin “Iron Puki” Puhalo (23-2, 22 KOs) in round six to claim the WBA gold cruiserweight title on Saturday night at the EWS Arena in Goeppingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The aggressive 53-year-old Arslan, rated #4 in the world by the WBA, mostly got the better of the exchanges with Puhalo, 35, who is rated WBA #5. Arslan dropped Puhalo with a left hand late in round two, then floored Puhalo three times in round six with lefts to the ear that really rattled Puhalo. Time was 1:29.
53 years
Why stop there?
Same thing I was thinking. If he fights one more year, he probably gets a shot at the full title and clearly he’s still capable at this level…. why not keep it going for a little longer???
Identify yourself when you´re not a WBA titlist! Just kidding, gratulations for that win and boxing so long on this high level, though I´ve never heard of that title.
Darn! I’m the WBA Bronze & Sliver Camp. Now I got to go platinum then Diamond and then maybe get a shot at the interim WBA. 🙂
But nevertheless big respect for still being at this level at 63 years old
53 years old I mean
Great, the one active contender older than I claims this is it. Now I’m really old.
Wow! Ageless is right! Way to go out on top champ!
Maybe Arslan got one more or two maybe fight Zurdo if he wins then fight for WBA cruiserweight title then wins or loses go out at high note and enjoy retirement pass his knowledge come a trainer pass on his knowledge.
That’s a pretty good idea, actually. Zurdo just won that eliminator against Smith but then the champion got ordered into a mandatory against Dorticos. Given that the champion, Goulamirian is probably (he is) THE most inactive in the entire sport, Ramirez is going to be waiting a minute, might as well stay active.
This has to be some type of record right? I mean, he did win one of the WBA’s Periodic Table of Elements title, doesn’t that count for something? But that’s it, go out on top orrrr, defend the title once and bounce.
Even Ron Jeremy had to stop his chose profession as he aged, time to pass the torch, Arslan. However, nothing wrong with being in tip-top shape as a geriatric.
Can Arslan still actually fight or is he just fighting really shitty dudes?
I was live in the hall. Arslan is a monster! trained to the max. He says of himself that he was never that fit and I believe him after the Last night! I hope he defends his title again! but already respect the oldest boxing world champion in history.
There may be more opportunities for him. I understand that the WBA Interim Intercontinental Cruiserweight Champion In-Recess Tin title is currently vacant, available for the appropriate sanctioning fees. Does anyone remember when these imbeciles at the WBA claimed to be reducing titles?
Would he actually be able to get licensed to fight in America at 53? Don’t some state athletic commissions have a cutoff age for boxers?
Firat Arslan has always been a good fighter, just not great. Its really interesting that he is rated as number four and says a lot about the division. Again its not that he is bad, but is there really no young up and coming guys in this weight class? I also dont need to say this, but this will not be Firat Arslan final fight.
Im also a little worried about putting this out there, but Jake Paul says he wants a world title and is in this same weight class. Arslan is the right age for Paul to go after. I know Paul cant beat him, but this win making news might get Paul to take a chance. The only plus would be to see Arslan getting a huge payday.
Firat Arslan 55-9-3 5′-11″ and #1 German CW
Jake Paul 7-1-0 6′-1″ and #31 USA CW
WBA Gold World Cruiser title match
Just throwing it out here Since Arslan is 53 Years old and Paul is 26
Arslan is probably the best Turkish boxer I’ve seen fight.