By Alexey Sukachev

It looks like 2008 Beijing heavyweight gold medalist Rakhim Chakhkiev (17-1, 13 KOs)  finally got to know his next opponent. In a wild saga of this continuous search, WBC #1 and IBF #5 Chakhkiev was firstly scheduled to take on veteran Silvio Branco of Italy, then switched to Albanian slugger Nuri Seferi, and now the third candidate enters.

Chakhkiev will face Juho Haapoja (20-4-1, 13 KOs) of Finland, says Chakhkiev’s representative Andrey Yeliseyev. The contract hasn’t been reportedly signed yet, but there is a principal agreement. The bout will be contested for the WBC Silver belt and will take its place on March 15 at Dynamo Palace of Sports in Krylatskoye, Moscow, Russia.

“We’ve just lost to Finland during the Sochi Olympics”, said Rakhim (3:1). “That doubles up my motivation. I’m here to try and avenge that bitter loss”.