France’s Sandy Messaoud made a stunning move in Minsk, Belarus, and snatched the World Boxing Association (WBA) Intercontinental Welterweight belt from Kazakhstan’s Nursultan Zhangabayev with a unanimous decision.

Messaoud, who was an underdog in his first fight outside his native France, put on a great show to win and knocked down the former champion in the second round.

The 34-year-old veteran put his efforts against a younger and more promising opponent to take the pioneer organization’s regional crown and move on to better opportunities in his career.

It was Messaoud’s 14th victory, having lost six and scored one KO. On the other hand, Zhangabayev left his record at 8 wins, 1 defeat and 5 KOs.