By Bill Kozloff, Allboxing.ru

Veteran heavyweight Jameel McCline (41-12-3, 24KOs) is very impressed with up and coming prospect Magomed Abdusalamov (15-0, 15KOs). They will clash on September 8th in Moscow, Russia, as part of the Vitali Klitschko-Manuel Charr undercard. The vacant WBC USNBC title will be at stake.

McCline has been to Russia several times in the past but he never fought in the country.

"I have been to Russia 13 times, it will be my fourteenth trip. I had not fought there, and the bout with Abdusalamov will be my first fight in Russia. I first came to Russia in 2009. Then I trained with Alexander Povetkin, we sparred with him," McCline said.

"After that, I traveled to Russia many times and visited various cities of Odessa, Sochi, Minsk, Kiev, Moscow, Chekhov and many others. I just fell in love with Russia and the Russian people. I have many friends in Russia and I love this country. This is perhaps the main reason why I agreed to fight in Moscow, almost without thinking. A distinctive feature of the Russian athletes is that they work hard, train hard. That's why they dominate in so many sports."

McCline has watched tapes on Magomed and saw how strong his opponent is. He realizes Magomed is still very inexperienced and hasn't had the necessary rounds in his career. Magomed has never gone beyond the fourth round.

"After watching his fights where he demonstrated the destructive force of his punches, I think he could be considered a major contender for the title in any event: if he loses or wins on September 8. With such a strong punch, he certainly has the potential to be a world champion. I have not seen anyone who can punch as hard as he can," McCline said.

"The biggest weakness with Abdusalamov is the lack of experience. He hasn't had a lot of rounds. That's all, I have nothing further to add."