Romanian Boxer Lucian Bute Keeps IBF Super-Middleweight Title
The 29-year-old Bute, with a record of 23 wins, of which, 19 by knock-out, closed the bout with a final perfect left as referee Lindsay Page Jr. leapt in to save 31-year old Zuniga at 2:25 of 4th round. Bute, thus, made his third successful defense of the crown since October 2007.
Bute became IBF super-middleweight boxing champion on October 20, 2007 after knocking out Columbian boxer Alejandro Berrio in Centre Bell, Montreal. Bute sucessfully defended his title for the first time on March 1, 2008 after knocking out American boxer William Joppy in the 10th round.
Bute defended his title for the second time on October 25, 2008 in the bout against rugged Mexican Librado Andrade in Montreal, Canada. After sending Andrade to the canvas in the 10th round, Bute nearly collapsed in the final round but was saved by the bell and retained his title.