“I just want to fight!”
These are the words of Petr Khamukov, an undefeated 2016 Russian Olympian, who returns March 16th at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City, California, on a show promoted by Patrick Ragan’s Westside Promotions.
Khamukov qualified for the Olympics at middleweight, went on vacation, and saw his spot filled. So, he qualified again at light heavyweight. Now, as a pro, he campaigns at junior welterweight.
The 32-year-old Russian moved from his birthplace of Labinsk, Russia, to Southern California to pursue the dream of becoming a world champion. This might go over the head of some, but Khamukov has only a basic understanding of the English language. He is essentially living in discomfort for a dream. Something that he believes is not that far off.
Now holding a record of 11-0, 5 KOs, Khamukov labels himself as a ‘thinker’ inside the ring. Without hesitation, he simply said (Dmitry) ‘Bivol’ when asked what fighters he currently likes. Bivol is possibly the most technically proficient fighter in his prime currently.
Khamukov was joined by his trainer, Danny Salazar. Salazar explained the following. “It is hard to get him fights. People will take a fight with him and then turn it down after they find out who he is. He is such a good guy. He won’t go on the internet and say anything about it. He simply just says he wants to fight.”
Last year, he marked his first official fight on a Westside Promotions card. He stopped game veteran Angel Hernandez in three rounds with the legendary referee Edward Collantes counting him out.
Now, he will return rather quickly. Khamukov explained what he was hoping for. “I want to fight often. I am eager to get back in the ring.”
Westside Promotions views Khamukov as a blue-chip contender. His BoxRec lists his amateur record at 96-19, which doesn’t include all of his bouts. Unlike Ernesto ‘Tito’ Mercado, it feels like Khamukov might be a world champion lurking beneath the surface and off-television.
Though the specific details of his next bout were yet to be confirmed, I was told that a form of a regional belt would be on the line. This will create leverage to get bigger, more marquee fights. Khamukov occupies the unenviable position of a high-risk, low-reward fighter.
Salazar spoke to the type of performance fans can expect on that fateful Saturday evening in Redwood City, California. “He is going to put on a show. The better the fighter, the better the performance. It is hard to look good against guys that don’t want to be in there.
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