By Alexey Sukachev

Another former titlist is added to the Russian roster of highly-rated prizefighters. Following the stellar example of a living icon Roy Jones Jr., ex-WBA interim super middleweight beltholder Stanislav Kashtanov (36-2, 21 KOs) has recently acquired Russian citizenship.

Kashtanov, 33, was born in a war-torn city of Donetsk and previously represented Ukraine despite being an ethnic Russian. He started his pro career under the Union Boxing Promotions at the age of 18. Kashtanov hit his acme in 2011/2012. Firstly, he was dealt a highly controversial split decision loss to Hungarian Karoly Balzsay for the full WBA 168lb title in August 2011.

He then acquired an interim version of the same belt beating his teammate Server Yemurlayev (also on a split decision) in November 2011, then defended it once versus Jaime Barbosa of Costa-Rica in August 2013.

Kashtanov had to miss a year and a half after that both to promotional and managerial issues and an on-going military conflict in his Homeland. He came back with promoter Vladimir Hryunov, then was signed by the “Patriot” promotional company, led by Umar Kremlev at the time.

Kashtanov fought for the WBA interim light heavyweight title in August 2015 but lost – not surprisingly, on a split decision – to Dominican Felix Valera. In his latest outing on July 22nd, Kashtanov – now a resident of Serpukhov – overcame tough Belarussian veteran Sergey Khomitsky (31-14-3, 14 KOs) on a majority decision over ten rounds.

“That was a long-going process, and I’m glad it has finally ended”, said Kashtanov in his interview with the TASS media agency. “I have always felt myself at home in Russia, not abroad. Of course, my true home is Donetsk but my prospects are in Russia, and I’m working here to realize them”.

“Stanislav will be back to the ring either this September or October”, said the representative of the “Patriot” team.