Artur Biyarslanov.Photo courtesy of Eye of the Tiger
Eye of the Tiger has added two unbeaten prospects to its growing stable – middleweight Shamil Khataev and junior welterweight Artur Vyarslanov, as reported by The Ring.
The Montreal-based promotional organization led by Camille Estephan is pleased to strengthen its position in two attractive sectors.
“We now have 22 fighters under contract,” Estefan told The Ring. “[Christian] Mbili [Osleys] Iglesias [Erik] Bajnyan [Albert] Ramirez [Arslanbek] Mahmudov [Steve] Claggett is world-ranked. In addition, they have top prospects such as Imam Hatayev, John Orobio, Moreno Fendero, and Wilkens Mathews.
“We have Viarslanov and Shamil, they have made some progress, but they need to go to the next level and we think they are ready and we want to get them there right away. Shamil was a perfect fit. We are also working with his brother (Imam). Both Shamil and Biyarslanov are true hard-working professionals.
Shamil Hatayev.Photo courtesy of Eye of the Tiger
“We have great talent on our roster. We feel ready to move forward in a consistent manner in some of the most important fights in international boxing.”
Khataev turned pro in April 2019 after a successful amateur career (12-0, 3 KOs). Since then, he has mainly fought at home in Russia, already fighting at the 10-round level.
The 27-year-old is preparing to move to middleweight, winning the WBC regional title with a win over Zurab Kvitziani (UD 10) and most recently defeating Pius Mpenda (UD 10).
Viyarslanov (13-0, 11 KOs) is originally from Chechnya but moved to Canada when he was 10 years old. He took up boxing and won four national titles before representing Canada in the quarter-finals at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The 28-year-old southpaw turned professional in Canada in 2018 and has since fought five fights in the United States. His last win came in July last year against previously undefeated Joniker Tovar (RTD 4) in Dubai. However, the deal will see him return to Canada.
Both players will make their EOTT debut, date and venue to be determined.
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