MTK Global is delighted to confirm leading prospect Viktor Kotochigov has become the first fighter to sign for MTK Kazakhstan.

The hard-hitting Kazakh, who has already blasted his way to 8-0-KO4 and seems destined for the top of sport, is delighted to have joined the world’s foremost boxing management company.

Kotochigov said: “I’m very happy to have this opportunity to work with MTK Kazakhstan and I’m proud to be the first fighter to join this campaign.

“Previously, I had no management and there were problems with the organisation of my fights but now, thanks to MTK Kazakhstan, I will be active and rise quickly towards the main goal: fighting for titles.”

Head of MTK Kazakhstan Ahmed A. Seddiqi said: “Viktor Kotochigov is a name that will be remembered for a long time; being the first fighter signed under MTK Kazakhstan.

“We’ve no doubt Viktor will shine in his division very soon and that many other super talents will follow him in joining us. Within one year, Kazakhstan will be the capital of boxing in Asia.”

Seddiqi’s business partner Askar Salikbayev added: “We’re happy to sign Viktor and we’re already in the process of signing other fighters we hope will join over the coming weeks.

“We’ve been lacking management in Kazakhstan but now with MTK Kazakhstan, our fighters will rise in the rankings at a very fast pace. The world can now bear witness to some superb talent.”

 Tyrone McCullagh will make the maiden defence of his WBO European super-bantamweight crown against Alvaro Rodriguez in Newcastle on May 3.

 

The unbeaten ‘White Chocolate’ (12-0-KO6) takes on the Spaniard (9-2-1-KO1) on the #MTKFightNight at the Newcastle Eagles Community Arena – live on iFL TV – and is eager to take the next step towards a world title shot.

McCullagh said: “Rodriguez is a very good opponent. He’s a talented counter-puncher so hopefully he brings out the best in me but I’ve no doubt I’m going to retain my title on the night.

“I love the attention that being the main event brings. It gives you that extra bit of buzz. It’s all part of boxing and there are nerves but headlining shows is where you want to be.

“I boxed way down the bill on Ryan Burnett and Carl Frampton cards and fighting in an empty stadium was surreal. Then I boxed Joe Ham quite high up on a show at The SSE Arena and then headlined against Josh Kelly to win this title.

“The belt is actually at my friend’s house in Belfast! I haven’t got around to going and getting it back but I actually took it to my friend’s house because I didn’t trust myself not to lose it while I was there.

“Ultimately, I want to get that world title shot and I’d have to vacate this belt to do it but it’s already got me to 13th with the WBO and if I defend it a few times then I could be in the top 10.

“There are big shows this summer that a world title shot could come on. I know Emanuel Navarrete and Isaac Dogboe are both with Top Rank so whoever wins that, it could work out.”

Joining McCullagh on a bill that’s taken shape quickly is Darlington’s unbeaten Troy Williamson, another former Team GB star Simon Vallily plus local hopes such as Chad Ellis, Jay Hughes, Darren Reay and Adam Gair.

Further fights and fighters will be announced in due course.

Heavyweight Jonathan Rice (10-3-1, 6 KOs), who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, will battle Arslanbek Makhmudov (7-0, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBC International title, May 17, 2019, at the Montreal Casino, in Montreal, Canada. The 10-round main event is being promoted by Eye of the Tiger Management.

Rice has three consecutive wins, two by knockout, under the tutelage of former world champion Wayne McCullough, who took over as head trainer in September of 2018. With McCullough in his corner, Rice is confident that he will come out victorious against Makhmudov, who will be fighting in his backyard.  Makhmudov is originally from Russia, but now resides in Montreal.

"I have great coach in Wayne McCullough, and I know I can beat Makhmudov with the game plan we have in place." stated Rice. "I've improved tremendously over the last year and my confidence is at an all time high.  Fighting in Makhmudov's backyard will be no easy task. I will have to be at my best to show the world that I belong in the same conversations with all the top heavyweights in the world. Capturing the WBC International title will open up many doors for my career."

"Jonnie Rice has come a long way with Wayne McCullough in his corner," Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing said, "Rice has a lot of heart and its going to be one hell of a fight. These are the type of fights that will catapult him up the ranking, getting him one step closer to a world title."

A featherweight showdown between Adan Ochoa (8-1, 4 KOs) and Mario Ayala (5-4-1, 2 KOs), will headline "Supremacy Showdown" an event promoted by R.E.D. Boxing Promotions. The 6-round main event bout will take place on April 6, 2019 at the Sports Arena in Pico Rivera, CA. In the 4-round co-feature, popular local standout Angel Israel Rodriguez (1-0), will battle Alvin Brown (0-5) in a welterweight clash.

"We are putting together a great show for all Southern California boxing fans at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena, a great venue for boxing," said Rey Rodis, CEO of R.E.D. Boxing Promotions. "Ochoa and Ayala will be fighting for the GBO (Global Boxing Organization) Featherweight Youth Title.  This will be a great boxing event with some of the best up and coming prospects in the sport, showcasing their talent."

Other prospects on the card include Lightweight Michael Norato (7-0, 2 KOs), super bantamweight Brandon Valdes (11-0, 6 KOs), featherweight Pablo Melgar (1-0, 1 KO), welterweight Austin Gudino (1-0, 1 KO), lightweight Stephen McKenna, and featherweight Michael Ortiz who will be making their pro debuts, all against opponents TBA.

Tickets priced General Admission $25, Premier Seating $45 and VIP Seating $55 are on sale now at Eventbrite.com (Click Here). The Pico Rivera Sports Arena is located 11003 Sports Arena Dr, Pico Rivera, CA 90601.  Doors open at 5:00 p.m. first bell at 6:00 p.m.

ZAK CHELLI has only had six professional fights, but the Fulham man is already chasing Commonwealth title glory.

Chelli (6-0, 3KOs) challenges for his first professional title at the SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday April 27 when meets Slough’s Jimmy Smith (7-1) for the vacant Southern Area super-middleweight crown.

The ambitious university student is in a hurry to be top of the boxing class and eyeing up the winner of the vacant Commonwealth title clash between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford which takes place on the same bill.

That would be a step up, but the 21-year-old insists: “I don’t think I am rushing.”

Chelli showed his star potential when he beat fellow hopeful Umar Sadiq last October and added: “I see Lerrone Richards is fighting Tommy Langford for the Commonwealth title.

“That is a nice belt and if it is possible I would like to fight the winner. Lerrone is a bit shorter than me and Tommy taller, but they are the type of opponents I like.

“Right now I cannot overlook Smith. Jimmy is a durable opponent and I am training for ten rounds, but I don’t believe it will go ten rounds.

“Jimmy likes to come forward, but I will show my skills. People thought I would be the brawler and fighter against Umar, but I showed him I can box.

“That fight showed I am willing to takes risks and that I am willing to take these type of fights. Now is the right time to fight for my first title.”