He’s young, he’s talented, he’s world ranked and undefeated.
Ismayl “The Black Russian” Sillakh (16-0, 13 KOs) says now is the time for the top light heavyweights to take notice of him.
Managed by Ivaylo Gotzev, trained by Shadeed Suluki and promoted by Square Ring, the 6′ 3”, 26-year-old fighter, who had a stellar amateur career (302-16) in the Ukraine, has traveled around the world to compile his undefeated record and has no problems fighting in anyone’s backyard.
“Ismayl has fought from Moscow to Chicago since turning pro and he will gladly fight any of these champions, wherever and whenever they want,” Gotzev said. “All they have to do is make the call.”
The Ukrainian-born Sillakh, who trains at the new IFC (International Fight Center) in Van Nuys, is coming off another dominant victory.
“We just travelled to Russia for Ismayl’s last fight and he put on another sensational performance,” Gotzev said. “He fought Kassim Ouma’s younger brother, the hard hitting Hamza Wandera Ouma, and dismantled him inside of three rounds. It’s no coincidence the division’s champions or their promoters never bring Sillakh’s name up. It’s because they’re all afraid to fight him, it’s that simple.”
Sillakh has destroyed everyone put in front of him, yet he has had to sit back and watch the other top light heavyweights take turns beating each other up. It’s frustrating, to say the least, but it is only adding fuel to the fire that burns within him.
“Last month we saw Bernard Hopkins defeat Jean Pascal to take the WBC, IBO & Ring Magazine belts, and on the same card Chad Dawson beat Adrian Diaconu to become Bernard’s mandatory challenger. Congratulations on making history to Bernard! Now let’s see him beat the uncrowned light heavyweight champion. If he’s not available, a guy who always has something to say is Jean Pascal. We would love to take him on,” Gotzev said.
“I respect what Hopkins did against Pascal in both of their fights, but Ismayl is not Jean Pascal. Hopkins says he wants to fight until he is 50 before he retires. I can promise him this, if he fights Sillakh he will feel like he turned 50 in the ring that night, and he will bring Bernard’s career to an end.”
Gotzev isn’t buying the media’s excuse for Pascal losing twice to Hopkins. “Everyone said the reason Hopkins beat him both times is because Jean gets tired after six rounds and has nothing left. I can promise you this: Pascal won’t have that problem with Ismayl, simply because the Canadian won’t be standing by the sixth round.”
As for Chad Dawson, Gotzev gave the former champ a somewhat backhanded compliment, “Dawson may be one of the most gifted athletes in the division, but he has been sleepwalking through his fights recently. That will change if he fights Sillakh. Dawson will certainly be sleeping, but he won’t be doing any walking,” Gotzev said.
Gotzev has other targets to aim for if Hopkins, Dawson and Pascal continue to duck Sillakh. “We also can challenge any of the other champions, Beibut Shumenov, Nathan Cleverly, Tavoris Cloud…any of them. If they’re not available, then bring on any top contender out there to keep Ismayl busy and keep showcasing what he can do.”
“Nathan Cleverly has also been trying to pretend he doesn’t see Ismayl,” Gotzev said, “but he knows Ismayl is here and understands he is not going away. Sooner or later he is going to have to step up.”
Gotzev has respect for IBF champ Tavoris Cloud, but doesn’t think the undefeated American has what it takes to beat his fighter. “Of all the champions I think Cloud is most like Ismayl. He’s young and hungry, and so is my fighter. If Tavoris accepts our challenge, this will be a very good fight for the fans to see. But when the dust settles it will be Cloud on the canvas looking up at Sillakh as he walks away with his belt. I am tired of waiting around and it’s time for one of these guys to step up and fight Ismayl. The question is which one of them is man enough to do it?”
After Gotzev finished his attack on the gun-shy light heavyweight division, Sillakh added more ammo by saying: “I want to make it clear that my time is now. If any of the other top 175 pounders gives me a chance, I will show the world what a great champion I can be.”
