Khurtsidze Fights for Vacant IBO Belt on March 12 in Tbilisi

By Alexey Sukachev and Dmitry Mikhalchuk

Short (just 5’4’’) but powerful WBA #1 middleweight Avtandil “Tornado” Khurtsidze (22-2-2, 13 KOs) of Georgia is finally back in action on March 12 in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Khurtsidze, who lost a highly controversial unanimous decision to Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam the last October, faces still-to-be-announced opponent for a vacant IBO 160lb title, vacated by previous champion Peter Manfredo Jr. The show will be provided by Elite Boxing Promotions in what will be the biggest event in Georgian history.

Khurtsidze was earlier said to fight Dominican Giovanni Lorenzo but that bout has fallen through. Right now Khurtsidze is preparing for his future homecoming at “FreeStyle” gym under the guidance of Andrey Sinepupov.

In the main supportive bout of the evening, undefeated light welterweight Victor Postol (12-0, 8 KOs) will take part in his toughest test to date against Sweden-based Ugandan Sam Rukundo (15-3-1, 6 KOs). 17-year old lightweight Daniyar Hanyk (8-0, 3 KOs) and heavyweight Dmitry Kovalevskiy (1-0, 1 KO) will also be featured in this tournament.