Boxer Katzourakis wins WBA title after move to US

Greek boxer Andreas Katzourakis, now based in Houston, Texas, was crowned World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Americas champion following victory at the OTX junior middleweight tournament in Atlanta last weekend.

The 27-year-old Katzourakis, originally based in the Greek capital, fought a close bout with American Brandon Adams and emerged victorious by split decision. The contest’s three judges gave scores of 97-93, 93-97 and 96-94, tipping the balance in favor of the expatriated Greek fighter.

Katzourakis, who got off to a flying start and controlled the fight throughout with greater aggression than his rival, remained firm and composed after sustaining a cut above his right eye in the first round.

“This win is for Greece,” Katzourakis said after the fight, draped in the Greek flag. “I’m fighting for my country, my heritage, and to achieve my dream of becoming Greece’s first male World Champion in the modern era.”

Besides the WBA title, the Greek boxer’s triumph also earned him a promotional contract with the OTX boxing platform.

Since the start of his career in the US, Katzourakis has remained undefeated in 15 bouts, with 10 of those victories coming by knockout.