Abdulaev victorious in return

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Sydney Olympics welterweight gold medalist Mohamad Abdulaev (16-3, 12 KOs) looked predictably rusty after three and a half years of hiatus, but still scored a six-round unanimous decision over Russian journeyman Sergey Starkov (16-53-2, 2 KOs) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

This bout, fought at junior middleweight limit, headlined a small card, promoted by Favzul Munavvar boxing club. Abdulaev, now 35, is best known for his loss to Miguel Cotto in a rematch of their earlier collision at Olympic competition.