Rances Barthelemy (24-0, 13 KOs) defeated Denis Shafikov (36-2-1, 19 KOs) by unanimous decision to win the vacant IBF lightweight title on Friday night at the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
Barthelemy boxed from distance and outlanded Shafikov to win by scores of 116-112 twice and 119-109.
The Russian took the fight to Barthelemy in the early rounds and landed shots to head and body.
However, the Cuban was always landing the heavier blows and Shafikov was troubled by a cut over his…