Light heavyweight Umar Salamov will headline a night of action on Sept. 19 in Grozny, Russia, which will also feature super middleweight Aslambek Idigov and heavyweight Apti Davtaev.
The same three fighters all fought on the same bill on April 18 at the same venue, each coming away victorious.
Salamov (24-1, 18 KO) is a 25-year-old fighter whose lone loss was a debatable decision on the road in Australia against Damien Hooper in July 2017. He’s won five straight since then and is making his way toward a title shot if all continues to go well.
Salamov will face Colombia’s Roamer Alexis Angulo (24-1, 21 KO), whom you may remember from a failed world title bid in June 2018, losing a wide decision to Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. This will be Angulo’s move up from 168.
“I am really happy to fight at home in Grozny,” said Salamov. “I get stronger fighting in front of my hometown. This is a very important fight against an experienced and brave boxer, but I will be looking for the knockout only. I don’t want there to be any doubts about it and no judges’ decisions. I will defend my title and step even closer to world title fight.”
Idigov (16-0, 7 KO) is a 23-year-old super middleweight coming off of a majority decision win over Ronny Landaeta on that aforementioned April show. He’ll be facing 23-year-old Slovenian Robert Racz (21-1, 19 KO), whose record has been built on fluff opposition.
“For me it doesn’t matter whether I fight at home or abroad, but it always good to receive support of my people and to make them happy,” said Idigov. “For me to fight a power puncher like Robert Racz, who has more wins than I have is a big challenge, but I will knock him out. And by doing so, I will defend my title and collect another. I need fights against these kinds of opponents, who are hungry and dangerous and come to win.”
Heavyweight Davtaev (17-0-1, 16 KO) is a 30-year-old puncher coming off of a fifth round KO of Pedro Otas. He’ll be in against South Africa’s Ruann Visser (17-2, 16 KO), a 28-year-old nicknamed “The Giant King” because of his 6’9½” height.
“I am always happy to fight, especially in Grozny,” said Davtaev. “It will be one more victory, in my step-by-step goal to become first heavyweight world champion from the Chechen Republic. Of course, I will try to win by knockout. This is a very important fight for me because I’m fighting for two regional titles against an experienced and big guy who is coming to win. That will bring my best out of me.”