FIGHT FANS will get the opportunity to see Zhanat Zhakiyanov’s WBC EPBC bantamweight dust up with Fred Mundraby a few days earlier than expected.
The pair were due to clash on the undercard of the big Rabchenko v Mundine card in Melbourne on November 12, but the fight will now take place on Rightcross Entertainment’s stacked bill at the Sleeman Sports Complex in Chandler, Queensland on November 8.
While it might mean a few days less preparation for both boxers, the change of venue makes sense logistically as the fight is now closer to Mundraby’s home in Cairns while Zhakiyanov will have little travelling to do from his camp on the Sunshine Coast.
With Zhakiyanov ranked at number two in the world by the WBC, the stakes are high as victory will enhance his hope of facing the winner of Shinsuke Yamanaka versus Suriyan Sor Rungvisai, taking place in Tokio this 22nd of October, while a defeat will mean going back to the drawing board.
“Fighting four days early is no trouble to me as I am very confident that I would beat him even if we had to fight tomorrow,z” Zhakiyanov, who also holds the European title, said.
“My preparation for this fight has been perfect and I’m in great shape so the date of the fight does not matter.
“My trainer Ricky Hatton knows how to get everything right and I am sure that I will impress a new audience on November 8 with another knockout victory.
“It is a dream of mine to win a world title and this bout is a step towards that. Mundraby stands in my way, but I won’t let him prevent me from moving to the world stage.”
Zhakiyanov v Mundraby features on a stacked card that includes Hatton Promotions’ Olympic sensations Damien Hooper and Cameron Hammond in title action against Joseph Kwadjo and Romeo Jakosalem respectively. On the same bill Rivan Cesaire will defend his Australian welterweight crown against Paddy Murphy.
