Trainer Sugarhill Steward, who received a ton of press in the last few months for his work with WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, is trying to groom another top fighter in boxing's biggest weight class.
Steward has very high hopes for undefeated Russian heavyweight Apti Davtaev, who the trainer is looking to carve into a world champion.
Steward, who is the nephew of training legend Emanuel Steward, has become of the sport's hot trainers for his work with several fighters like Fury, Adonis Stevenson and others.
The 30-year-old fighter was scheduled to take part in a Showtime televised tripleheader on March 28 in Las Vegas, against former world champion Lucas Browne, but the contest was postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Davtaev, standing at 6'5, has the size and punching power necessary to become a force at the weight.
Like heavyweight contender Otto Wallin, Davtaev is promoted by Dmitriy Salita.
"Apti has the skills, size and power to be a real force in the heavyweight division," Salita told Sky Sports. "Although they have different styles, physically Tyson Fury and Apti are of similar size. With Sugarhill in his corner, the sky is the limit for Apti."
Davtaev has built up a solid record of 20 wins and 19 of those by knockout, and one draw.
"Training in Detroit has made me stronger," said Davtaev. "I have a fresh new look on boxing. I'm more confident and experienced, and my power has grown immensely.
"I've also become a more aggressive fighter. I go after opponents and try to finish them, rather than just beating them. The heavyweight division is very exciting right now with many top names, and I believe I am one of them."
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