Details have emerged about the upcoming Monte-Carlo Showdown, an unmissable evening of World Championship boxing at the Monte Carlo Casino in November.
Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and the Monte Carlo Casino have revealed that undefeated Russian contenders Alexander Besputin (13-0, 9 KOs) and Radzhab Butaev (12-0, 9 KOs) will collide for the vacant WBA Welterweight World title in what is a big step up for both men.
Besputin, stablemate of three-division World Champion and pound-for-pound star Vasiliy Lomachenko, was an elite amateur at international level before turning pro in 2015 and earning his No.1 ranking with the WBA by racking up 12 straight wins.
Butaev, ranked No.2 at 147lbs by the WBA, shares an almost identical record as his compatriot and ‘The Python’, also based in the USA, will be aiming to take home the bragging rights as well as his first world title in what is set to be a barn burner.
“This is a long time coming for me,” said Besputin. “I know I belong with the best Welterweights, and 30th November is my opportunity to prove that. I’ve prepared for this fight my entire boxing life. I had over 300 fights as an amateur and fought the best fighters the world had to offer. I am used to traveling to fight the best, and I look forward to impressing the fans in Monaco.”
“I am excited and honoured to be fighting for a World title,” added Butaev. “This is a great opportunity for me, and I will make sure that I do everything to take advantage of it. I have been working towards this moment all of my career and finally it is my time to announce myself to the world.”
In the second World title bout of the night, Norway’s Cecilia Braekhus (35-0, 9 KOs) and Argentina’s Victoria Bustos (19-5) will battle it out to become the number one Welterweight on the planet when they clash for the IBF, WBA, WBO, WBC and IBO crowns in a huge undisputed showdown.
“I’m very excited to fight in Monte-Carlo and be part of the region’s rich history of compelling fights and extraordinary sporting events,” said Braekhus. “I’m sure that Victoria Bustos will provide a tough challenge but I have prepared well and look forward to putting on a great performance for my fans in attendance and those watching all over the world.”
“This fight will be dedicated to all the boxing fans around the world who love this sport and support female boxing,” said Bustos. “I am thankful to everyone who always supports me, especially my family and my dad who is still present in my corner even though he is physically absent.”
China’s unbeaten Heavyweight star Zhilei Zhang (20-0, 16 KOs) returns to the ring to take on Russia’s Sergey Kuzmin (15-1, 11 KOs) in an explosive match-up. Zhang was last seen knocking out Don Haynesworth to claim the WBO Oriental title in September 2018 while Kuzmin tasted defeat for the first time in his pro career last time out at the hands of Michael Hunter.
Meanwhile, former World title challenger Hughie Fury (23-3, 13 KOs) aims to bounce back from his defeat to Alexander Povetkin and propel his name into the thriving Heavyweight scene. The 25-year-old has already mixed it with some of the biggest names in the division and will hope to end the year on a high as he targets more titles in 2020.
“I’m delighted to know I’ve got this date so soon after my last fight with Povetkin,” said Fury. “I feel I’ve much more to give and want to keep active and improve my game. Monaco holds a special place for me as I’ve more or less spent a lot of my younger years growing up there. My parents lived there and we have had many training camps there over the years, so it’s really nice to be fighting on such a high-class show.”
Rising talent Joe Cordina (10-0, 7 KOs) is quickly establishing himself as one of the hottest prospects in British boxing and ‘The Welsh wizard’ will have to be at his best when he meets dangerous Mexican Enrico Tinoco (18-5-4, 13 KOs) for the WBA Continental Super-Featherweight title.
“I’m delighted to be back in the beautiful Monte-Carlo Casino for another year of World Championship Boxing,” said Eddie Hearn. “This is by far the strongest card we have bought to the Principality.”
“Le Casino de Monte-Carlo and The Monte-Carlo Showdown are a perfect alliance,” added Pascal Camia, Executive Vice President, Gaming Operations. “Just as the exclusive events we host throughout the year which highlight the great art of gaming, the Monte-Carlo Boxing Showdown creates a unique experience in an iconic decor and as per the strategy of our Chairman and CEO, Jean-Luc Biamonti, gives energy and dynamism to all of our gaming rooms.”
The World Championship will take place on Saturday 30th November.
This story was originally published on 24th October