Undefeated Kotochigov ready for Hughes test

DUBAI: Unbeaten Kazakh star Viktor Kotochigov is relishing the difficult task ahead of him as he prepares to take on Maxi Hughes on Friday’s huge #RotundaRumble4 event.

Kotochigov (12-0, 5 KOs) defends his WBC International lightweight title against Hughes (21-5-2, 4 KOs) on the huge D4G Promotions event in association with Round 10 Boxing and MTK Global at Caesars Bluewaters Dubai, live on ESPN+ and IFL TV.

It looks set to be the toughest test of Kotochigov’s career so far, but he’s determined to get a win here and move on to even bigger fights in the future.

Kotochigov said: “The upcoming fight is a real test for me. The opponent is very serious with a good record, and he beat Jono Carroll in his last fight, so I have had to train hard.

“I’ve watched him, and he is a cunning boxing who is technical, and I’m sure we will have a good fight. Title fights are probably the biggest motivation that keeps me in this sport. This is my goal and I will continue to achieve it.

“I am looking forward to the fight in Dubai, and I am sure it will be a great show. I want to win this fight, and then get the opportunity to fight with more great boxers in the future.”

Meanwhile, Hughes believes he already has the upper hand against  Kotochigov ahead of their bout on Friday.

Hughes heads into the fight on the back of his incredible win over former world title challenger Jono Carroll in August, and he believes Kotochigov is just another step on his journey to challenging for a world title.

Hughes said: “I’ve had a look at a few of his fights, and he’s nothing I’ve not seen before. He’s a tough, strong, come forward fighter, but I’ve got more experience at a higher level which gives me the upper hand.

“The WBC International title is a massive incentive. Winning this belt should give me a top 15 world ranking with the WBC and put me a step closer to challenging for a world championship.

“Fighting abroad ticks an item off my bucket list. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and what a country to fight in. It will be great to be away in the sunshine with the dark nights drawing in this time of year.

“Training hasn’t stopped since my last fight. I was on such a high so I just wanted to make sure I kept improving, and before I knew it I had another fight date.”

Elsewhere on Friday’s show, amateur superstar Hovhannes Bachkov makes his highly-anticipated professional debut against 22-6 opponent Samuel Gonzalez, rising star Blane Hyland takes on Mohamed Salah Abdelghany, and knockout king Faizan Anwar faces JR Mendoza.