By Alexey Sukachev, June, 20, 2007

A huge undercard, featuring two world-class fights and a bunch of talented youngsters, was announced yesterday by the organizers of “The Boxing Show 2”. Headlining preliminary part of the show is a rematch between up and coming Ukrainian heavyweight Oleg Platov (25-1, 21 KO) and tough Nigerian veteran Henry Akinwande (49-3-1, 30 KO) for Oleg’s IBF intercontinental title. Platov, 24, is ranked #14 by the IBF and #15 by the WBC. Akinwande, 41, is a former WBO champion, known for his wins over Orlin Norris, Axel Schultz, Timo Hoffmann and other formidable opponents. Platov defeated Akinwande via debatable split decision last November to acquire his minor belt. 

Two more Ukrainians will try to stun the local publics with their performances, as a perennial super middleweight contender and WBA#10 rated Vitaly Tsipko (19-2, 10 KOs) will return to the squared circle for the first time since his gutsy effort against former IBF champion Jeff Lacy the last December. Tsypko lost that fight on majority decision and tends now to come back strong. He will face countryman Maxim Goloviznin (13-1, 6 KOs), who is coming off more than a year and half of hiatus, in an eight-round match. 

Young and hot Polish cruiserweight Lukasz Janik (4-0, 3 KOs), 21, who is promoted by Andrzey Wasilevski and Sauerland Event, faces Makhmud Atadzanov (0-1) of Uzbekistan. The bout is scheduled for six rounds. Vladimir Povetkin (1-0), the younger brother of 2004 Athens super heavyweight gold medalist, will test his skills against Egyptian Hossem El Hawly, who is making his pro debut. The four-rounder will also be held at cruiserweight limit. In the same weight talented Dzhimi Kapanov (1-0, 1 KO) will square off against Russian Alexander Romashko (1-1) in another four-rounder.  

Two previously announced fights will make the headline of the event. WBC #10 Russian heavyweight hope Alexander Povetkin (12-0, 10 KOs) collides with his most dangerous opposition to date in Larry Donald (42-4-3, 24 KO) in ten-rounder. Another local hero Dmitry Kirillov (28-3, 9 KOs) is going to meet rugged Mexican veteran Ricardo Vargas (39-12-3, 13 KOs) for the vacant IBF super flyweight title. It’ll be the third ever world championship in this country and the third attempt for Kirillov to test his skills in title waters as well. On the other hand, at his 36 Vargas is arguably in his last run for one of the major belts. He has lost his three previous attempts to Johnny Tapia (draw), Jorge Eliecer Julio and Rafael Marquez.   

This show is promoted by Yuri Fedorov Sports Lab in association with Sauerland Event and Seminole Warriors Boxing and with the help of Putinka Boxing Stars. The event will be held on June 30 at Olympiyski Sports Arena, Moscow, Russia.