By Alexey Sukachev, March, 28, 2007

Professional boxing is finally back to Moscow after a long and annoying winter gap. WBC Maskaev – Okhello showdown was the last considerable fighting card, staged in Russian capital, and it was way back in December, 2006. But a lengthy drought will hopefully come to an end on somewhat mysterious Friday the 13th date as “Empire” promotional company will arrange a huge event at “Krylya Sovetov” Sports Palace, filled with three significant fights for regional titles.

Leading the card is the WBO #5 super flyweight contender Kahramon Arzykulov (12-2-1, 7 KOs) of Uzbekistan, who will defend his WBO Asian Pacific title for the first time against tough Thai journeyman Sairung Suwanasil (42-9, 26 KOs). Huge underdog Arzykulov, 27, put his name into contention the last July, when he sensationally floored experienced Kazakh Marat Mazimbaev amazing four times on his way to a hard-fought decision in a mouth-watering wild brawl. Thai Suwanasil, 31, fought a good share of sound name in lighter divisions, including Jesus Chong, Jesus Salud, Z Gorres, Diosdado Gabi, Adrian Kaspari (losses) and a victory over Bobby Pacquiao. He fought once this year, dropping UD 8 to Japanese Nobuyuki Matsumoto in January. Provided he is victorious in April, Arzykulov team will try to land a shot at current WBO champion Fernando Montiel.

The second title bout will feature promising welterweight prospect Vitaly Demyanenko (10-0, 7 KOs) of Kazakhstan in the initial defense of both PABA and WBO Asian Pacific belts. Demyanenko, 23, somehow ranked WBO #12, despite having any known names on his resume, will face Indonesian national champion Tia Koswara (11-2, 5 KOs). Though being ranked unusually (and prematurely) high for so inexperienced youngster, Demyanenko did show his huge talent to Moscow fans last July in four-round extermination of Tanzanian Chaurembo Palasa.

In another title clash unbeaten Alisher Rahimov (13-0, 6 KOs) of Uzbekistan, but fighting in Russia, will collide Russian-based Belarussian Yuri Romanovich (14-4, 10 KOs) for an interim national super featherweight belt. Rahimov, 29, has victories over fellow prospect Vyacheslav Gusev, Serikzhan Yeshmagambetov (who knocked down Manny Pacquiao in their non-title fight in 2003) and world-rated Stanislav Merdov. Romanovich lost last free on points, however, to the opponents with a combined record of 57-0, including perennial contender Janos Nagy and IBF champion Valdemir Perreira in a non-title effort.

UNDERCARD

Sensational welterweight prospect Eduard Romanchuk (2-0, 1 KO) will face rugged Roman Lobachev (6-10-1, 2 KOs). Eduard is a brother-in-law of current Russian amateur star Roman Romanchuk.

Former kickboxing world champion Ayup Arsaev (4-0, 1 KOs) fights Ukrainian Magomed Yadgarov (2-2), Finally, Ruslan Amirov (1-0) will take on TBA in four-rounder.

“Empire” promotional company is no rookie in the game, as it helped arranging several classy events in Forum-Hall last year.