Russian light heavyweight prospect Ilshat “The Sheriff” Khusnulgatin, 10-0, 6 KOs, is set to take his next step up the 175-pound ladder when he takes on Larry Pryor, 7-7, 4 KOs, of Frederick, MD, at Resorts International Hotel and Casino on Friday, January 24th in Atlantic City. “The Sheriff” a rangy, six-foot, three and a half-inch, boxer-puncher will make his first start under the Main Events banner as part of a growing light heavyweight stable that includes fellow Russian and WBO World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev.
“The Sheriff” is a product of the legendary Samara Boxing Club in his hometown of Samara, Russia. Beginning in 2011, this exciting battler had his first eight bouts in Russia, before making his US debut with two knockouts in California last year. The Friday, January 24th fight will be the first for Khusnulgatin on the East Coast.
Against Pryor, “The Sheriff” will face a man who won’t be intimidated by his sterling record. Pryor’s last three bouts were against undefeated prospects. In his most recent outing, Pryor defeated Mark Tucker, then 15-0, 7 KOs, by unanimous decision in eight rounds.
Both fighters realize that an impressive win on the 24th could have the potential to open doors in talent-rich light heavyweight division.
Egis Klimas, Kovalev’s manager, said, “The light heavyweight division is one of boxing’s most competitive. I believe Ilshat will be able to continue his winning streak in Atlantic City and shake things up on January 24th. If he can make a good impression and win convincingly it can put him on track for a TV date of his own in the future.”
When asked about the upcoming fight Khusnulgatin said, “I am looking forward to this fight. Preparation is going well, thank God! Earlier in my career I never had the opportunity to participate in such a great night of boxing. When I am in the ring I do everything in my power to give my fans a great show and have a victory. I think everyone will appreciate this on the 24th. I will be very happy to fight on NBC (Sports Network).”
“The Sheriff’s” eight-round bout will be part of the off-TV live undercard on a nationally televised double header that features knockout artist Curtis “Showtime” Stevens, 25-4, 18 KOs, against pressure-puncher Patrick “The Machine” Majewski, 21-2, 12 KOs, in a ten-round middleweight fight, and Thabiso Mchunu, 13-1, 9 KOs, versus Olanrewaju Durodola, 15-1, 14 KOs, in a ten-round cruiserweight contest for the NABF title. These two main bouts will be broadcast on Friday, January 24th’s NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night.
