Viktor Kotochigov: I'll prove my last fight was a blip!
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 06 Mar 2021
Viktor Kotochigov feels the result of his last fight may have been a blessing in disguise - as he prepares to take on Gary Cully on next Friday's huge #MTKFightNight.
Kotochigov (12-1, 5 KOs) faces undefeated Cully (11-0, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBO European lightweight title at the University of Bolton Stadium on March 12, live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV.
The Kazakh fighter came up narrowly short in a back and forth battle against Maxi Hughes last October, but insists he has made plenty of adjustments that will come in handy against Cully.
Kotochigov said: "I am looking forward to this fight. In preparation for the fight, we did a lot of work, with many hours in the gym and in sparring. I can safely say that I am ready for battle.
"Hunger is always inherent in fighters striving for the greatest goals. I am determined to win and prove that losing against Maxi Hughes was a blip.
"I have watched Gary Cully's fights. We studied with my coaches his technical and tactical actions, and we know what to expect from him. I'm looking forward to a beautiful and spectacular fight that fans will love."
Elsewhere on the huge #MTKFightNight on March 12, Lewis Crocker defends his WBO European welterweight title against Deniz Ilbay, Isaac Lowe returns, Sahir Iqbal faces Liam Wells, Jordan Reynolds makes his professional debut against Robbie Chapman, plus Carl Fail enters the paid ranks for the first time too.
It kicks off a huge 7 days, as on March 19, a massive #MTKFightNight takes place, as Lee McGregor challenges Karim Guerfi for his European bantamweight title, and Maxi Hughes meets Paul Hyland Jnr for the vacant British lightweight title.
The event on March 19 also sees Padraig McCrory face Germaine Brown in a clash of unbeaten super-middleweights, Shabaz Masoud goes up against Louis Norman, Jamie Robinson fights Billy Allington, Paul Ryan makes his professional debut against Kyle Hughes, and William Hamilton returns.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Jayr Raquinel Avenges Compatriots with First-Round Stoppage Over Kenbun Torres in Osaka
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 13 Jul 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev backs Gassiev for heavyweight unification fights after IBA Pro 19 title defence
Mon, 13 Jul 2026Chess Kings rules Pacquiao rapid chess team tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 13 Jul 2026P1 million at stake in DC Trail Ultra
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Jul 2026Gabriel Santisima Retains WBO Asia-Pacific Title with First-Round Knockout Win
Sun, 12 Jul 2026Sumabong wins OPBF, WBO Asia Pacific titles
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 12 Jul 2026Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Philippine Blu Girls Ready to Take on the World’s Best at WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 12 Jul 2026Germo, Turno rule 34th Yakult 10-Miler Trilogy Davao
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 12 Jul 20261st Grandmaster Eugene Torre Open Standard Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 12 Jul 2026Murat Gassiev retains WBA heavyweight title at the spectacular IBA Pro 19
Sun, 12 Jul 2026Unbeaten John Michael Zulueta Headlines Highland Show July 25 in Thailand, LIVE on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 12 Jul 2026Raquinel, Torres Make Weight for Sunday Showdown in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 11 Jul 2026Pacquiao, Briggs and Chisora share their views ahead of IBA PRO 19 in Moscow
Sat, 11 Jul 2026LICA MALLS 500 SHAW TO HOST PACQUIAO CHESS TEAM TILT
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 11 Jul 2026Canelo vs Benavidez on Cinco De Mayo 2027? Maybe.
By Ralph Rimpell, Sat, 11 Jul 2026