By Alexey Sukachev, November, 17
Russian welterweight Marat Khuzeev (14-1-1, 5 KOs) will try to make another step towards worldwide recognition this night at Zimniy Stadium, St. Petersburg, Russia, as he takes on undefeated but unknown Egyptian Tarek Ablazim (6-0, 4 KOs) in ten-rounder for the minor IPBF 147 lbs title. Khuzeev is coming off the March setback, suffered from the hands of world-rated Dane Reda Zam Zam. Despite fighting only sixteen times in a career, Khuzeev has a huge experience in fighting the qualified opposition. He scored decisions over such notables as Joszef Matolcsi and Christian Bladt and has a draw with fellow contender Sergey Sorokin to his resume.
Topping the undercard will be former Seoul Olympian and EBU super middleweight titleholder Alexander Zaytsev (27-14, 16 KOs), who is scheduled to take journeyman Tagir Rzaev (5-31-1, 2 KOs), and unbeaten junior welterweight Denis Shafikov (9-0, 4 KOs), who is facing Vitaly Olhovik (0-2); both in six-rounders.