By Alexey Sukachev

Ranks are what boxing is all about. They can come in different ways: crowning a single champion in a weight-class, compiling lists of contenders, selecting mandatory challengers for reigning titleholders – each mode has its own set of purposes, methods, pluses and minuses. In any possible way the final goal is (obviously) to determine (subjectively) the best fighter around by sorting a variety of them and (maybe) scheduling some designated contests. I’ll follow the same path here – although I’m too far from staging any fights. And, yeah, if you want to pay this reporter to see one of the match-ups yourself, go forward and I’ll do my best to bring the cream of the crop together. But, please, not forget boxers’ purses as well. Just kidding – you must pay much more to actually make it happen.

And so, given that I’m focused on the Eastern European fight scene and actually live in Moscow, it must come by no surprise that these rankings will be dedicated to ex-Soviet boxers and their achievements. The vast majority of weight classes will be presented in two parts (the first one – from heavyweight down to middleweight – tonight, and the next one with all remaining weight classes and a possible pound for pound bonus will come the next week), although it’s not necessary to make ratings for each certain division as post-Soviet fighters in lower weight classes are so sparse that it’s hard to use more than one hand to count them all. The number of ranked fighters in different division varies as well just because of a fact that it’s better to leave a blank spot than to fill it with unknown Uzbek youngster or Latvian journeyman (unfortunately, it’s not an insult as a majority of pugs from these countries are indeed trialhorses).

Time is selected specifically and, I hope, successfully as we are at the starters of an increased post-Soviet activity, with such fights as Shumenov vs. Uzelkov, Pirog vs. Jacobs, Golovkin vs. Nunez, Kotelnik vs. Alexander, Dimitrenko vs. Zavorotnyi, Khomistky vs. Khurtsidze and more of them – all coming our way in the next two weeks. And Lebedev has already resolved his issue with Alekseev in positive way.

Ranks are totally subjective but an attempt to make them more objective was performed by implementing a specific formula, which can help one to assess fighter’s stance in modern day boxing. To make this assessment I chose four independent web sources which produce regularly updated ranks: BoxingScene, Fightnews, RingTV and BoxRec. Each fighter gets a corresponding number of points for each place in ranks from 1 to 10. RingTV and BoxingScene champions get zero points. Those, who are ranked below position #10, automatically get 11 points and +1 point for each ten in BoxRec rating. Then we sum all up and divide it by a number of ranks provided. The average is needed just because some fighters aren’t ranked by BoxRec, who automatically eliminates boxers after a year of inactivity. Is it too complicated? Let’s have a sample here:

Alexander Dimitrenko gets 8 points for BoxingScene, 9 points for RingTV, 11 – for FNews (he is rated #13 there). Dimitrenko isn’t rated by BoxRec. So we have: (8+9+11)/3 = 9.33.

Pretty simple, eh? This formula can be used to assess an entire set of fighters (not only post-Soviet) but I’m not going to do it now. Moreover, those points are useful but I have sorted fighters by my own view of their strengths, perspectives and current dynamics. So, points here are just tags.

One note is due about fighter’s nationality. Why shall we rank Vic Darchinyan here (as a telling sample of sorts) and not rank Vanes Martirosyan and Arthur Abraham even though all of them are of Armenian origin? The answer is as follows: those, who have been formed as boxers in ex-USSR, are ranked here, while those, who have got their fighting degrees abroad, aren’t. Darchinyan was an accomplished amateur, who competed for Armenia in 2000 Sydney Olympics and then he turned pro Down Under. He is here. Both Martirosyan and Abraham established their careers (both pro and amateur) abroad, so one won’t find them in the next part of the article.

Just to remind a passionate reader what ex-USSR really was, here is the list of its territories, which are independent states right now: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.

Heavyweights

Synopsis: With wins over retired Sultan Ibragimov and ex-WBA champion Ruslan Chagaev it’s no doubt who is the “Soviet champion” now. Wladimir Klitschko stands tall here; his “mandatory” Alexander Povetkin stands lower. An “interim title” can be arranged between the Big Bro and the Big One in autumn.

1. Wladimir Klitschko (Ukraine, 54-3, 48 KOs)

Titles: WBO/IBF/IBO

Ranks: BScene – C, Ring – C, FNews - #1, BoxRec - #1

Points: 0.5

Notes: Widely recognized as the best of a current crop of heavyweights… 1996 Atlanta gold medalist… Uses his height and reach advantage wisely, throws killer jab and has a lethal right hand which gradually becomes more and more potent as the fight progresses… Hasn’t lost since 2004, has beaten several former and reigning titleholders, including Samuel Peter, Chris Byrd, Lamon Brewster, Sultan Ibragimov, Hasim Rahman and Ruslan Chagaev… Has a scheduled date on Sep. 11. Chances are high that IBF mandatory Alexander Povetkin will come his way but Samuel Peters is on the outside carefully looking after distractions in Klitschko-Povetkin negotiating process. He can come inside a moment after a possible crash in negotiations.

2. Vitaly Klitschko (Ukraine, 40-2, 38 KOs)

Titles: WBC

Ranks: BScene – #1, Ring – #1, FNews - #2, BoxRec - #2

Points: 1.5

Notes: Former amateur boxing and kickboxing standout… Came back in 2008 after 4 years in retirement and mounted a scary comeback, stopping Peter, JC Gomez and Chris Arreola among others… Gave Lennox Lewis one of his toughest dates before succumbing to frightening cuts… Technique is underestimated, and at 39 he is still in terrific shape… Odlanier Solis, Shannon Briggs and Nikolay Valuev are on his radar but nothing is resolved yet… Less successful as a politician losing Kiev mayoral elections to current head of the city Leonid Chernovetskiy… Alongside his brother owns K2 promotional group and has one of his protégés in a list below.

3. Alexander Povetkin (Russia, 19-0, 14 KOs)

Titles: IBF MC

Ranks: BScene – #3, Ring – #3, FNews - #5, BoxRec - #6

Points: 4.25

Notes: 2004 Athens gold medalist and 2003 world super heavyweight champion… Turned pro in 2005 and undefeated since then… Had a terrific streak of victories in 2007/2008 fight season, consecutively dominating Larry Donald and Chris Byrd before outpointing Eddie Chambers but his opposition slipped greatly since that… Trained by Teddy Atlas, known for his pressure style and busy punching… Wladimir Klitschko is a possibility but ongoing negotiations aren’t finished yet… Povetkin was known for a punishing power as an amateur.

4. Denis Boytsov (Russia, 27-0, 22 KOs)

Titles: WBA I/C

Ranks: BScene – #9, Ring – #7, FNews - #7, BoxRec - #14

Points: 8.5

Notes: Started his career in 2004 at 18 years of youth and boxed 13 rounds total in his first 11 fights… Had been unimpressive in 2008 before a breakthrough year of 2009 with three stoppages (including Jason Gavern – only career stoppage so far, and Taras Bidenko)… Is on the way up and has never lost a fight… Hard-hitting slugger with underrated boxing ability… Boytsov is still recovering after a recent wrist injury… He is listed ahead of both Valuev and Chagaev on a strength of his latest contender run and bright future laying ahead.

5. Ruslan Chagaev (Uzbekistan, 26-1-1, 17 KOs)

Titles: WBA MC

Ranks: BScene – #6, Ring – #5, FNews - #9, BoxRec - #5

Points: 6.25

Notes: Former two-time amateur world champion (1997 and 2001), defeated legendary Felix Savon at 18 to become a champion for the first time… Had two stoppage wins in 1997 as a pro before allegedly moving back to unpaid ranks… Defeated Nikolay Valuev to become the WBA titleholder in 2007, defended his regalia twice, then forfeited it to fight Wladimir Klitschko and was stopped by him in nine rounds… WBA MC after a decision victory over Kali Meehan.

6. Nikolay Valuev (Russia, 50-2, 34 KOs)

Titles: -

Ranks: BScene – #7, Ring – #8, FNews - #8, BoxRec - #7

Points: 7.5

Notes: Became the first ever heavyweight champion of the world from Russia after scoring a close call over John Ruiz… Was a disc thrower in his youth, became a professional boxer at the age of 20 but not before taking some amateur fights… For the first ten years was more of a circus amazement but his career turned to the good in 2003 after signing with Sauerland Event… Two-time heavyweight champion of the world but had some controversies in his career including dubious wins over Ruiz, Larry Donald and Evander Holyfield… Uses his behemoth size and immense physical power to sap energy from his foes and to break them down methodically… Lost his last fight against David Haye in November 2009… Vitaly Klitschko fight is possible for this fall.

7. Oleg Platov (Ukraine, 29-1, 23 KOs)

Titles:

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #23

Points: 11.25

Notes: Became a pro merely a month following his 18’s birthday and boxed for the first five years in Belgium… A lone loss came on points to 1-4-1 Ludovic Mace and was avenged… Biggest win came in November 2009 with a split decision over former champion Henry Akinwande… Fought just thrice in the last two and a half years but showed some poise in breaking down durable Gbenga Oloukun in June… Had managerial problems earlier in his career, now ruled by Ivaylo Gotzev… Relied on a pure pressure earlier with a free-swinging style of rumbling but had stamina problems. Refined since then.

8. Timur Ibragimov (Uzbekistan, 28-2-1, 15 KOs)

Titles: NABA

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #18

Points: 11

Notes: Has no relationship to ex-WBO titleholder Sultan Ibragimov. He represents another country indeed… Started his pro career fine, except for a draw with then 3-0 Kevin Johnson, but suffered back-to-back losses to Calvin Brock and Tony Thompson in 2006/2007… Remedy came four months later in a road victory against Timo Hoffmann… Last win was this June against ex-champion Oliver McCall… At 35 has a bit time ahead, will fight next on Aug. 24 against undefeated Indian Gurcharan Singh.

9. Denis Bakhtov (Russia)

Titles: PABA

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #37

Points: 11.5

Notes: Bakhtov, originally from Kazakhstan, was an in-your-face type of slugger earlier in his career… Changed little since then but became more experienced… After a good start was shot by veterans Sinan Samil Sam and Saul Montana… Earned a single point in his one-sided against Juan Carlos Gomez in June 2007… Revived his career with two destructions of German prospect Steffen Kretschmann… Was set to face Alexander Dimitrenko on July 31 but suffered an injury.

10. Alexander Dimitrenko (Ukraine)

Titles: -

Ranks: BScene – #8, Ring – #9, FNews – #13, BoxRec – n/a

Points: 9.33

Notes: Uses a methodical approach, resembling Klitschko brothers’ intelligent style… Defended his WBO I/C title seven times beating who’s who of the second echelon before being soundly beaten by Eddie Chambers in the official WBO eliminator… Hasn’t fought since then… Will make his next appearance on July 30 against Yaroslav Zavorotniy.

Second Wave: Sergey Liakhovich (Belarus), Andrey Fedosov (Russia) and Alexander Ustinov (Russia/Belarus).

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Cruiserweights

Synopsis: There’s no doubt who is a new sheriff in Soviet town. His name is Denis Lebedev and he is on a heat streak. Lebedev came back from 4-year long hiatus to score several stoppages, including those of Ali Ismailov and Alexander Alekseev. His fight against Grigory Drozd can be a cracker but hardly possible right now.

1. Denis Lebedev (Russia, 21-0, 16 KOs)

Titles: WBO MC

Ranks: BScene – #10, Ring – #6, FNews – #12, BoxRec – #4

Points: 7.75

Notes: Started his pro career as a light heavyweight. Was a two-time national 175 lb champion as a pro and was a member of Russian national team as an amateur… Was 13-0, 8 KOs before hanging his gloves in 2004… Was forced to retire due to mismanagement and financial problems… Came back in 2008 and scored eight consecutive stoppages since then, including those of Enzo Mac, Alexander Alekseev and Ali Ismailov… A terrific left hooker with underrated boxing ability… Aggressive but remains calm in crucial moments… Managed by Vladimir Hryunov and promoted by Frank Warren.

2. Valery Brudov (Russia, 38-2, 27 KOs)

Titles: WBA MC

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – n/a

Points: 11

Notes: Was immensely active in 1999-2004 fighting in both Russia and France… Biggest victory is the first-round destruction of 26-2-1 Aussie Justin Rowsell in 2003… Lost on points to Virgill Hill in his first title attempt… Captured WBA interim belt with a stoppage win over Luis Andres Pineda but lost his title via split scores to Firat Arslan in 2007… Has been trying to clinch another title shot since then… Was last seen in the ring a year ago and is still trying to get WBA champion Guillermo Jones in the ring with himself.

3. Grigory Drozd (Russia, 32-1, 23 KOs)

Titles: WBC ABC / WBO Asia Pacific

Ranks: BScene – #7, Ring – n/a, FNews – #13, BoxRec – n/a

Points: 9.67

Notes: Former muay thai world champion, nicknamed “Pretty Boy”… Physically strong slugger with limited boxing skills… Biggest wins came against Saul Montana in 2004 and against Laudelino Jose Barros in 2007… Lost WBA eliminator to Firat Arslan in 2006… Was the first one to stop rugged American Darnell Wilson last July but hasn’t fought since then… Future plans are foggy.

4. Ali Ismailov (Azerbaijan, 17-3-1, 12 KOs)

Titles:

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #48

Points: 11.75

Notes: Former two-time Olympian for Azerbaijan (2000 and 2004)… Fought a number of future pros, including stoppage loss to Beibut Shumenov in 2003, in his 15-year long amateur career… Converted into pros at 32… Draw in his third fight against Alexander Kotlobay, lost by retirement to then 20-0-1 two fights later… Ridiculously clinched WBO Latino title (having zero Latin blood in him) in 2007 and retained it several times… Was controversially held to a split decision in his only title shot, losing to WBO champion Victor Ramirez in May 2009… Lost to Denis Lebedev via stoppage also in 2009… Plodder with a tendency to fight in close quarters.

5. Alexander Alekseev (Russia. 19-2, 17 KOs)

Titles:

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – #10, BoxRec – #25

Points: 11.25

Notes: Was an amateur star, winning 2005 world championship… Lost twice to Odlanier Solis on close decisions… Started his pro career with Universum getting 16-0, with 15 KOs in three years as a pro… Unexpectedly lost to Victor Ramirez for a vacant WBO interim title… Came back with several wins of mediocre opposition but failed to restore his confidence… Was crushed in two rounds by Denis Lebedev several days ago.

6. Alexander Kotlobay (Russia, 18-2-1, 12 KOs)

Titles:

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #44

Points: 11.75

Notes: Boxing instructor in Saint Petersburg… Promoter by Alexander Yagupov and Vitaly Supichenko, whom he is also training as a boxing instructor… Enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2009, stopping Lubos Suda, Jozsef Nagy and Valery Volozhenin among others… Was completely destroyed on his home turf by Enzo Maccarinelli for EBU cruiserweight title in April.

7. Vasily Zhirov (Kazakhstan. 38-3-1, 32 KOs)

Titles:

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #33

Points: 11.5

Notes: Crowned his sensational boxing career with the 1996 Atlanta gold medal at light heavyweights adding it to a Val Barker trophy… Defeated Antonio Tarver on his way up… Turned pro in 1997 and became a champion two and a half years after, defeating Arthur Williams for the IBF title… Defended his belt six times with five stoppages before losing it on points to comebacking James Toney in 2003 FOTY Candidate… Moved up to heavyweights but was stopped in his tracks by Michael Moorer… Not before effectively ending Joe Mesi’s career… Fought just three times since 2005 (last time in October 2009) though is still listed as an active boxer… Came back to cruiserweight limit… Nicknamed “Tiger” is best known for his lethal left hook to the body.

8. Rakhim Chakhkiev (Russia, 6-0, 5 KOs)

Titles:

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #52

Points: 12

Notes: A long-time member of Russian national amateur team… 2008 Beijing heavyweight gold medalist, 2007 Chicago silver medalist… Turned pro last fall… Suffered his first minor blemish three weeks ago failing to stop Polish journeyman Lukasz Rusiewicz.

9. Dmytro Kucher (Ukraine, 9-0, 8 KOs)

Titles:

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #58

Points: 12

Notes: Regarded as one of the most talented Ukrainian up-and-comers… Turned pro at 24 in 2009… Had kayo wins over tough competitors Mikhail Nasyrov and Vasyl Kondor.

10. Yago Kiladze (Georgia, 14-0, 10 KOs)

Titles: WBC Youth I/C

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #82

Points: 12.75

Notes: Tall and long-armed stylist… Fighting out of Donetsk, Ukraine… Has never defeated a notable name but did better against Isroil Kurbonov than heavyweight Denis Bakhtov. Next fight is set for Aug. 30 against Arturs Kulikauskis.

Second Wave: Yuri Budanov (Russia), Maris Briedis (Latvia) and Sandro Siproshvili (Georgia).

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Light Heavyweights

Synopsis: A “Soviet” champion will be crowned here tomorrow and fans can see it happen with their own eyes on ESPN FNF, as #1 Ukrainian Uzelkov battles against WBA champ Beibut Shumenov in a scheduled twelve-rounder. Uzelkov holds no titles (opposite to Shumenov) but he is ranked higher here based on his entire career, Shumenov’s highly dubious win over Campillo and mixed results against one common opponent.

1. Beibut Shumenov (Kazakhstan, 10-1, 6 KOs)

Titles: WBA / IBA

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – #8, BoxRec – #13

Points: 10.25

Former amateur standout and Asian amateur champion… Up until this year was self-managed and self-promoted… Descends from a very well-off Kazakh family… Started his career with five wins, gradually increasing his level of opposition… Outpointed former champion Montell Griffin and Columbian enforcer Epiphanio Mendoza before knocking out another champion Byron Mitchell in four… With just eight fights in his record challenged WBA titlist Gabriel Campillo in August 2009 and lost a narrow majority decision… Scored a highly controversial split decision in a rematch to become a WBA champion in January… Crude and flat-footed but extremely strong and durable.

2. Vyacheslav Uzelkov (Ukraine, 22-1, 14 KOs)

Titles: WBA MC

Ranks: BScene – #8, Ring – #6, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #24

Points: 9.25

Notes: Former member of Ukrainian national team… Started his pro career in 2004 and undefeated since then… Knocked out future WBA champion Gabriel Campillo with a chilling shot in 2007… 9 KOs in last ten fights with a lone dubious decision over Alejandro Lakatus… Lost a decision to Beibut Shumenov.

3. Ismayl Sillakh (Ukraine, 12-0, 11 KOs)

Titles: NABF

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #31

Points: 11.5

Notes: Amateur record is 302-16… Was banned for 2008 Olympics for using PEDs… Debuted in 2008 and quickly developed in one of sport’s biggest prospects… Combines fierce punching power with athleticism and boxing ability… Crushed Daniel Judah in two to get his first minor title this April.

4. Dmitry Sukhostkiy (Russia, 15-1, 10 KOs)

Titles: IBF International

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #65

Points: 12.25

Notes: Started pro career in 2005 and upgraded to 14-0, 9 KOs with five minor titles in backpack… Decisioned David Gogiya and stopped Juan Nelongo among others… Challenged Juergen Braehmer in December 2009 and was held to a decision loss. Delivered one of his best performances almost stopping WBO champion in the ninth round… Came back with a bang stopping Zamora Nievas in a single round.

5. Vitaly Rusal (Ukraine, 26-1, 19 KOs)

Titles:

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #19

Points: 11

Notes: Started his career as a cruiserweight… Came down to light heavyweights after a technical knockout from the hands of Marko Huck… 3-0, 3 KOs, since moving down in weight… Has some decent pop in his punches.

6. Magomed Aripgadzhiev (Belarus, 14-2, 8 KOs)

Titles: EBU-EE

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #27

Points: 11.25

Notes: Former amateur star and two-time Olympian for Azerbaijan (2000) and Belarus (2004, silver medal, losing 13-20 to Andre Ward)… Has wins over Aleksey Kuziemski and Clemente Russo as an amateur… Started his pro career in 2005 with Universum but was soon dismissed after losses to Kuziemski and Artem Vychkin… Caught his second wind in 2007 with Valery Kaplya as a manager and unbeaten since then… Beat 16-1-1 Mohamed Belkasem in the best fight of his career.

7. Gayrat Akhmedov (Uzbekistan, 14-0-1, 9 KOs)

Titles: PABA / WBC ABC

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #47

Points: 11.75

Notes: Started his life at paid ranks in 2004 getting 6-0, 3 KOs before a brief retirement…. Came back in 2006 to held unbeaten Valery Volozhenin to a draw… 7-0, 6 KOs in his last fights but barely got the better of Demetrius Davis in March.

8. Roman Simakov (Russia, 12-1-1, 7 KOs)

Titles:

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #51

Points: 12

Notes: A pro since 2008… Lost a split decision to Vasily Lepikhin in BBU title fight in July 2009 in what was a pure war inside the ring… Very active since then getting six wins (three inside the distance)…

9. Igor Mikhalkin (Russia, 11-1, 7 KOs)

Titles: -

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #44

Points: 11.75

Notes: Former amateur star-in-making turned pro in 2007… Had a breakthrough year in 2009, defeating Sergey Beloshapkin and DeAndrey Abron by stoppages and hardly squeaking behind Doudou Ngumbu with a majority decision… Lost to Aleksey Kuziemski on points in May.

10. Vasily Lepikhin (Russia, 12-0, 5 KOs)

Titles: Russian

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #96

Points: 13

Notes: Reigning Russian national champion… Had several misregistered fights in Krasnodar during an early stage of his career… Former BBU light heavyweight titleholder… Best wins came against fellow unbeaten Roman Simakov and Rudolf Asaturyan.

Second Wave: Sergey Kovalev (Russia), Sergey Demchenko (Ukraine) and Denis Grachev (Russia)

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Super Middleweights

Synopsis: There should have been more sound names but they aren’t. German stalwarts Robert Stieglietz (WBO champion), Eduard Gutknecht (his challenger) and Dmitry Sartizon are from the former USSR but of German origin. They came to the prominence while living and competing in Germany and so did Arthur Abraham. Denis Inkin was last seen in the ring a year and a half ago and there are no indications he wants to resume his pro career… All this leaves us with Vlasov vs. Kashtanov/Emurlayev fight as the best possible way to fill in the Soviet vacancy.

1. Maxim Vlasov (Russia, 18-0, 9 KOs)

Titles:

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #35

Points: 11.5

Notes: Tuned pro at 18… A constant guest of ESPN Friday Night Fights, he fought a total of seven fights, scoring six stoppages… Amazingly, is just 11-0, 3 KOs while competing at home… Destroyed Johnathon Reid, Julius Fogle and Jerson Ravelo among others… Ravelo and Fogle wins came this year… A tall (6’3’’) stylist who can mix it up in close quarters but has a hole for a sneaky right hand.

2. Vitaly Tsypko (Ukraine, 22-3, 12 KOs)

Titles:

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – n/a

Points: 11

Notes: Started his career 18-0, 9 KOs, including wins over Alsanbek Kodzoev, Charles Adamu and Brian Magee… Fought Jeff Lacy in 2004 IBF eliminator but a fight was scored an NC after a cut suffered by Tsypko… Close and controversial losses to Jackson Chanet and in a return match to Jeff Lacy derailed his pro career… Scored wins over David Gogiya and Stjepan Bozic but lost to Librado Andrade big time in April 2009… Hasn’t fought since then.

3. Stanislav Kashtanov (Ukraine, 27-0, 14 KOs)

Titles: EBU-EE

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #54

Points: 12

Notes: Once a promising fighter he has lost his steam after an extremely “strict” diet of mismatched boxers… His best span was in 2007/2008 when he scored three victories over fellow unbeatens including Vicapita Meroro… Has decent bodypunching skills…. Former WBC Youth champion.

4. Server Emurlayev (Ukraine, 17-0, 5 KOs)

Titles: EBA

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #50

Points: 12

Notes: After a steady diet of nobodies scored his best career win in a twelve-round unanimous decision over tough Bernard Donfack in February to clinch the EBA title… Next scheduled to take on 12-1 Blas Miguel Martinez in his first EBA defense.

5. Konstantin Piternov (Russia, 11-0, 3 KOs)

Titles: Russian

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #64

Points: 12.25

Notes: A pro since 2008 he was once a big amateur star with over 300 wins to his record… Prefers to box more than to rely on sheer power… is 3-0, 2 KOs, in 2010.

6. Roman Shkarupa (Ukraine, 22-2-2, 7 KOs)

Titles: TWBA

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #100

Points: 13.25

Notes: Fought his entire career under Polish promotion… Wins over Alessio Furlan and “Sugar” Shay Mobley are shadowed by losses to relatively unknown fighters from Montenegro and Belgium.

7. Roman Aramian (Armenia)

Titles:

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #171

Points: 15

Notes: Fights out of Koblenz, Germany… Best wins came against Stephen Trabant (in 2002) and Alexander Sipos (in 2007)… Lost to who’s who of neighboring weight classes, including Robert Stieglitz, Juergen Braehmer and Sebastian Sylvester (twice).

8. Alaudin Murtazaliev (Russia)

Titles:

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #208

Points: 15.75

Second Wave: Vasyl Klyusa (Ukraine), Olexander Cherviak (Ukraine) and Anton Sjomkin (Estonia).

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Middleweights

1. Roman Karmazin (Russia, 40-3-2, 26 KOs)

Titles: IBF MC

Ranks: BScene – #6, Ring – #10, FNews – #9, BoxRec – #6

Points: 7.75

Notes: Started his pro career at 23 in St. Petesrburg, Russia… Fought to a road draw vs. 25-1 Javier Rodriguez in his fifth fight and outpointed 23-2-3 Juan Ramon Medina in his seventh… Two-time EBU champion at junior middleweight limit (all bouts are won by KO) with wins over Orhan Delibas, Michael Rask, David Walker and Jorge Araujo… Lost a close twelve-round UD to Javier Castillejo in 2002… Won IBF junior middleweight belt over Kassim Ouma and lost it to Cory Spinks in the first defense… Relocated to 160 lbs after a crushing defeat by Alex Bumena… Fought to a heated and ridiculous draw against reigning IBF champion Sebastian Sylvester in June… Prepares for a possible rematch this fall... Boxes in a highly sensitive style.

2. Dmitry Pirog (Russia, 16-0, 13 KOs)

Titles: WBC Baltic / WBO Asia Pacific

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – #15, BoxRec – #18

Points: 11

Notes: Won Russian national title over 25-5 world-ranked Sergey Tatevosyan in his fourth fight… Stopped two of the best Russian middleweights Alexey Chirkov and Aslanbek Kodzoev… Looked average against Geard Ajetovic and Sergey Melis but delivered his career-best performance against former title challenger Kofi Jantuah drubbing him in a one-sided way… Fights in a unique way combining American and European styles of boxing… Battles fellow undefeated Daniel Jacobs on July 31 for a vacant WBO title.

3. Gennady Golovkin (Kazakhstan, 18-0, 15 KOs)

Titles:

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – #8, BoxRec – #13

Points: 10.25

Notes: Former amateur superstar, having won 2003 world gold and 2004 Olympic silver medalist as well as 2000 junior world and 2002 Asian champion… Has wins over Matvey Korobov, Lucian Bute, Andy Lee, Andre Dirrell and Yordanis Despaigne as an amateur… Despite a colossal resume was being pushed softly by Universum Box-Promotion… Has never scored a notable win as a pro except for TKO 5 win over Sergey Khomitskiy… Faces hugely overmatched Milton Nunez for the WBA interim title… Tries to part ways with the Universum… Big-time boxer with a punishing combinational power.

4. Khoren Gevor (Armenia, 31-4, 16 KOs)

Titles: -

Ranks: BScene – #5, Ring – #5, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #8

Points: 7.25

Notes: Started quickly as a pro in Germany before being twice beaten by perennial contender Lukas Konecny… Has wins over “fellow Soviets” Chirkov, Khomiskiy and Tatevosyan (former two were undefeated)… Challenged fellow Armenian Arthur Abraham for an IBF middleweight belt and was knocked out cold in the eleventh… Lost a close decision to Felix Sturm in his second (WBA) title attempt… Moves up in weight to collide with the WBA super middleweight champion Dmitry Sartizon on July 31.

5. Avtandil Khurtsidze (Georgia, 21-1-2, 12 KOs)

Titles: WBA I/C / EBA

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #29

Points: 11.25

Notes: Started his career in American and got mixed results before losing to Tony Marshall and coming to Ukraine… Was brought by Vadim Bukhkalov… EBA champion since March 2008… Has wins over several notables including Kuvanych Toygonbayev, Mihaly Kotai and Attila Kovacs… Stands only 5’4’’ but highly athletic… Free-swinging swormer with almost no step back.

6. Matvey Korobov (Russia, 11-0, 8 KOs)

Titles:

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #84

Points: 12.75

Notes: 2005/2007 world amateur champion and four-time Russian national champion… Has a stoppage win over Ismayl Sillakh at unpaid ranks… Was less successful in 2008 Beijing Olympics losing to Bakhtiyar Artayev… Turned pro in November 2008 with Top Rank… Managed by Award-winning Cameron Dunkin… Has yet to score a major win as a pro… Southpaw boxer-puncher.

7. Maxim Bursak (Ukraine, 20-0-1, 8 KOs)

Titles: WBO I/C

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #61

Points: 12.25

Notes: Nicknamed “Tormentor”… Started with a draw but soon improved and now enjoys 20-bout winning series… Best performances came in head-to-head wins over Khomitskiy and Schulze…

8. Sergey Khomitskiy (Belarus, 22-7-1, 9 KOs)

Titles:

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #22

Points: 11.25

Notes: Former WBC CISBB, WBO Asia Pacific and Russian champion… After scoring 16 wins with a single draw went just 5-7 in his next fights, losing among others to Golovkin, Bursak and Gevor… Scored a major upset in April retiring Brit Jamie Moore after six rounds of beating.

9. Gennady Martirosyan (Russia, 20-2, 9 KOs)

Titles: WBO European

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #25

Points: 11.5

Notes: Stocky inside slugger with limited defensive skills… Enjoyed his best years in 2008 and 2009 with several big wins… Lost a hard kayo to highly regarded Cameroonian Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam before coming back with three wins over mediocre opposition.

10. Anton Novikov (Russia, 16-0, 6 KOs)

Titles: WBC Youth

Ranks: BScene – n/a, Ring – n/a, FNews – n/a, BoxRec – #71

Points: 12.5

Notes: Young up-and-comer with decent boxing skills… Too small for this division so a move down to welterweight is considered… Southpaw fighter nicknamed “Pick Hammer”.

Second Wave: Aslanbek Kodzoev (Russia), Shamil Ismailov (Russian) and Shalva Jomardashvili (Georgia)