By Alexey Sukachev
Ukrainian light heavyweight prospect Ismayl Sillakh (20-1, 16 KOs) could have the opportunity to erase his worst pro memories, if he is to face cruiserweight contender Rakhim Chakhkiev (16-1, 12 KOs) of Russia on Oct. 5 as a part of Wladimir Klitschko versus Alexander Povetkin showdown in Moscow. Team Sillakh received an initial offer from Chakhkiev's handlers but it wasn't actually eye-popping. Negotiations between the camps are under way right now, report Ukrainian sources.
WBC #13 Sillakh, a former amateur standout, is 3-0, 2 KOs, this year since being sensationally knocked out by another Russian Denis Grachev last April. He is penciled to fight yet another Russian Konstantin Piternov (13-3, 4 KOs), next Saturday over ten rounds in Donetsk, Ukraine.
Chakhkiev, a 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medalist at heavyweight, is coming off a tough loss to WBC cruiserweight king Krzysztof Wlodarczyk from this past June. He is rated #5 by the WBC and the IBF, and #15 by the WBA.