Ismail Syllakh vs. Dmitry Kudryashov is Being Discussed

By Alexey Sukachev, Allboxing.ru

According to sources close to Kirill Pchelnikov’s promotional company, Dmitry Kudryashov (5-0, 5 KOs), a hard-hitting but very raw cruiserweight from Volgodonsk, is next in line for Ukrainian boxer-puncher Ismayl Sillakh (17-1, 14 KOs). The fight is being tentatively set for October 13 at Gala Hall in Krasnodar, southern Russia.

If it really happens, for Kudryashov, 26, who previously fought either debutants or boxers with negative records, the contest will mean a major leap up in quality of competition. Sillakh, 27, a former amateur star with world-caliber accolades, was once ranked high by several sanctioning bodies and showed signs of stardom as a pro. His rise, however, was soundly derailed by overmatched but tough-as-nails Russian Denis Grachev, who knocked him out in eight rounds of an April shocker.

Sillakh has been dropped from the top ten of nearly every organization (except for the WBC, where his ranked #9) after the recent loss and has yet to fight again. Rumors are also circulating in Eastern European boxing community that Sillakh plans to get out of Roy Jones’s Square Ring Promotions and away from the guidance by Ivaylo Gotzev. Thus a status of the fight remains to be seen at this moment.

On the same date and at the same place, WBC ABC Continental cruiserweight beltholder Rodion Pastukh (8-0, 8 KOs), 37, will also put his title at risk. Pastukh was in the center of media scandal not so long ago when he traded verbal jabs with 2012 London Olympics light heavyweight gold medalist Yegor Mekhontsev and even called him out for a fight (which should be probably considered a terrible mismatch in favor of Mekhontsev if it ever happens). Also, more credible Russian and WBC ABC welterweight titleholder David Avanesyan (11-1, 5 KOs) will see action on the same card, promoted by SKV Boxing with the help of KP Promotions.