Former IBF cruiserweight champion Vassiliy Jirov (38-3-1, 32 Kos) has dropped back down to cruiser from the heavyweight division and is actively seeking a "name" opponent.

 

A fearsome body puncher seemingly incapable of taking a backward step, Jirov, 36, earned his reputation as a crowd favourite the hard way, by never being in a bad fight. Among others, Jirov was in the Fight of the Year against James Toney and retired then #1 heavyweight contender Joe Mesi.

 

Manager Ivaylo Gotzev says he has several lines in the water for Jirov. "I made contact with (top-rated cruiserweight) Danny Green's people, thinking that after the Paul Briggs debacle, he'd want a better challenge. Hopefully Danny Green, the mighty warrior from Down Under won't disappoint his fans in Australia."

 

Plan B, according to Gotzev, is fighting on the same show as Roy Jones Jr. and then two facing each other after that in St. Petersburg, Russia. "We've wanted Roy Jones for well over a decade. Hopefully we can bring this to reality."

 

Whoever Jirov ends up facing, Gotzev says he's sure the fans will be the ultimate winners. "The plan is to mix it up with a big-name fighter and make some exciting fights. No matter who Vassiliy fights, rest assured, his style is do or die and he will not disappoint. He's a proven warrior ready to return to battle. 'The Tiger' is back on the Hunt."