Boxing rabbi suffers fourth round defeat

Former world champion boxer and ordained Orthodox rabbi Yuri Foreman’s return to the ring ended in a disappointing defeat.

Beaten by the WBA super welterweight champion Erislandy Lara, the 36-year-old was looking to become a two-time world champion, having won the title in 2009. However, in a one-sided contest, his Cuban opponent was in totla control for the first three rounds, before landing a devastating left hook in the fourth round that sent Foreman to the canvas, resulting in the referee calling time 1.47 into the fourth round.

His third defeat in 35 fights, Foreman said: “Of course I’m disappointed, but this is boxing. I got caught with a perfect punch and that’s what happens. I tried very hard to shake it off, but he got me.

“I have been hit harder in my career, but I take nothing away from him. He’s a very strong puncher in his prime and I give him credit. He was as good as I expected him to be.”

Speaking about his future, he added he’d: “take some time to talk to my team and my family and see what comes next, as far as boxing.”