Ievgen Khytrov Already Setting Sights on Best at 160

By Jake Donovan

Ievgen Khytrov entered the 2012 London Olympics as the heavy favorite to capture a Gold medal in middleweight competition. The hard-hitting Ukrainian tore through the 2011 World Amateur championships to earn the 1st round bye in the Olympics, and was believed to be a tough draw for local favorite Anthony Ogogo in their second round matchup.

Instead, it was Khytrov who endured tough luck, dropping a heartbreaking upset loss in a double-tiebreaker. The bout was scored even after three rounds, but fans of the pro game who only watch amateur boxing during the Olympics were puzzled as to how a fighter could score two knockdowns and serve as the aggressor throughout, yet still come up short in the end.

The loss was disheartening, but hardly changed the way Khytrov approaches the game. Always a fan-friendly fighter dating back to his early amateur days, the well-schooled fighter made a seamless transition to the pro ranks beginning with his debut in Dec. ’13 and his relocation to the Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn, an area of the world affectionately known as “Little Odessa.”

Barely into his second year as a pro, Khytrov remains a knockout every time out as he prepares for his fourth consecutive televised appearance. The latest showcase comes this Friday, as he faces unbeaten Maurice Louishome in a scheduled eight-round bout, which airs on SHOWTIME’s Shobox: The New Generation series live from Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, California.

“This fight means a lot to me, it’s the next step in my career after fighting on ESPN2, Fox Sports (and beIn Sports),” Khytrov (7-0, 7KOs) believes. “To fight on SHOWTIME is a very big stage, and gives me more motivation to deliver a great performance.”

It doesn’t seem to take much to get the 26-year old going. His previous three televised appearances have lasted less than 12 total minutes, barely giving fans a chance to settle in for the evening before effortlessly blasting out normally durable opposition.

A common factor was found in all three fights—with former co-promoter Mike Tyson front and center at ringside to take in the action. Khytrov brought a smile to the face of the one-time baddest man on the planet, particularly last summer in Pittsburgh, where the middleweight managed to stand out on what was possibly the best televised card of 2014.

Well before local favorite Sammy Vasquez outslugged James Stevenson and Monte Meza-Clay outbrawled Alan Herrera in a Fight of the Year contender, Khytrov primed the crowd with a quick hit of once-beaten Willie Fortune. An endless volley of punches forced a stoppage just 30 seconds into the Fox Sports 1-televised opener, Khytrov’s quickest knockout to date.

The win came on the heels of an impressive televised debut, blasting out Chris Chatman inside of three rounds on ESPN2. His most recent performance almost made it out of the first round, but Khytrov’s heavy hands put an end to the night of once-beaten Louis Rose after just 2 ½ minutes of one-sided action.

Tyson is no longer along for the ride, due to the implosion of Iron Mike Productions, which prompted original promoter Fight Promotions to buy back the remaining shares of the contract. Don’t expect his absence to slow down the rising prospect’s career progress, though.

Now appearing on his fourth network in as many fights, the expectations are for Khytrov to remain explosive. Perhaps the only one NOT longing for an early night is the fighter himself.

“I don’t look for knockouts, they’ve just come,” insists Khytrov, although he’s hit the jackpot every time he’s stepped into the ring thus far as a pro. “I’ve never been past five rounds in my career, so I’m looking for a test on Friday night. If I can do my job and get him to fall, that’s great. It’s not my only goal, though.”

Ironically, the lack of available footage on his opponent could actually work to his benefit if he truly seeks to go some rounds on Friday. Little is known of the 37-year old Louishome (8-0-1, 4KOs) beyond the immediate scouting report – a late starter to the sport who disappeared for a stretch before returning late in 2013.

“I honestly don’t know a lot about Maurice Louishome,” Khytrov admits. “There’s no footage available, so I’m just relying on my strengths and my trainer Andre Rozier has me prepared for any scenario.”

The only thing the fighter can guarantee is that he’ll make sure fans are entertained—for however long the fight lasts. From there, the viewing audience can expect to see a lot more of him, and against an escalated level of competition.

“If you ask me, I believe I’m ready for the best middleweights right now,” believes Khytrov, whose gym mates include current alphabet titlist Daniel Jacobs. “When my team feels I’m ready, they will turn me loose and I will go get the middleweight titles.

“For now, I just hope boxing becomes more popular. I’m going to do my part to make every night I’m the ring exciting for the fans and hope to contribute to the growth of the sport. I’m going to keep getting better, win a title and then in the future unify the division.”

Knockouts every time out are a great way to guarantee history doesn’t repeat itself on his road to supremacy.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com, as well as a member of Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox