By Ruslan Chikov

Unbeaten Russian heavyweight boxer Denis Boytsov (28-0, 23KOs) will need further surgery on his right hand. Trainer Fritz Zdunek told reporter Alexander Pavlov that Boytsov will undergo further surgery on his right hand on December 17. The hand was re-injured during his two round knockout of Mike Sheppard on November 19 in Hamburg, Germany.

"In the battle against Sheppard, he was explosive, but a bit constrained. He's a great puncher and he has a very big future," said Zdunek. "However, I know that, unfortunately, he once again has to undergo an operation on his hand on December 17. And then we'll see how he recovers, and how he works with this hand. However, I fear that he would again require a long time [to recover].