Gadzhimagomedov, Zhang Ready for War for Vacant WBA Bridgerweight World Strap in Russia
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 09 Jul 2024
Russian Olympic medalist Muslim Gadzhimagomedov (L), and Chinese warrior Zhang Zhaoxing can't wait to get at each other for the vacant WBA World Bridgerweight championship Belt.
The exciting fight is set to take place at the newly built IBA Coliseum on 12 July in Serpukhov, Moscow Oblast, Russia, to be streamed live on iba.sport.
Looking confident and strong, Gadzhimagomedov and Zhang met during the promotional press conference, behaving respectful and polite towards each other.
During the presses, the 27-year-old Muslim Gadzhmagomedo (3-0, 2 KO's) shared this with media and fans in attendance:
"I've been watching pro fights from my childhood, and I always had the dream to one day have a champion’s belt on my shoulder.
"Now, I have the chance. So, I will not waste this opportunity. This WBA world title belt is going to stay in Russia," he promised.
Born in Nitilsukh, Dagestan, now living in Krasnodar Krai, Gadzhimagomedov’s words should be taken so seriously.
Not only because his visible focus and determination. But also because of his boxing achievements.
As an amateur, Gadzhimagomedov captured gold in the 2019 European Games. And that same year, gold again during the 2019 Amateur World Championships.
The next year, the 1.94 meters tall Russian won silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
ZHANG ZHAOXING NOT WORRIED
Meanwhile, the 28-year-old Middle Kingdom warrior Zhang Zhaoxing (12-2-1, 7 KO's), living in spicy Chengdu, China, might not have Gadzhimagomedov’s fantastic amateur pedigree, but he has got skills, proven heart and more experienced as a pro.
This is what Zhang had this to say:
"For me, this bout will be the third fight against a Russian boxer.
"I am ready to fight more Russians. Because they have good a boxing school. And they are confident and strong.
"Should you win or lose, you learn in any case. That is the only way to become a champion," Zhang believes.
Muslim Gadzhimagomedov is promoted by Russia's Vitaly Shilnikov, while Zhang Zhaoxing is handled by China's top promoter former boxer Liu Gang.
RUSSIA VS IRELAND IN THE CO-MAIN EVENT
In the co-main feature, unbeaten 26-year-old Russian Albert "AL BA" Batyrgaziev (10-0, 7 KO's) of Nizhnevartovsk, Russia, will lock horns against more-experienced, heavily-bearded Jono "King Kong" Carroll (24-2-1, 7 KO's) from Dublin, Ireland, for WBA Interim Super Featherweight strap.
Both men are southpaws, which makes it technically interesting, fans seeing this rumble as battle of the undefeated young gun against the strong tough veteran. Who will prevail?
FILIPINOS IN EXHIBITION MATCHES
The exciting show will include exhibition bouts featuring Filipino southpaw boxers Super Flyweight "The Dreamer" Jay-r Raquinel (16-2-1, 13 KO's), Cauayan, Negros Occidental, and Light Flyweight Jesse Espinas (21-7, 12 KO's) of Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental.
Billed as "IBA Champions Night" and promoted by LTD Soyuz, the July 12 event starts at 19:00 MST.
Fans outside Moscow may watch the show streamed LIVED on iba.sport.
May the Best Men Win!
Photo courtesy of the IBA.
The author, boxing writer Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and WhatsApp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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