By Alexey Sukachev

The World Series of Boxing, a specific international competition, arranged jointly by the AIBA and IMG, is slowly loading up. Starting matches of the tournament are pre-planned for the 19-20th of November in several European, Asian and American cities. Russian franchise “Kremlin Bears” is held by well-known boxing personality Yuri Fedorov, who also acts as a pro boxing promoter. On Tuesday, November 9th, Yuri Fedorov officially announced his team’s roster for the upcoming home match (Nov. 20) with “Istanbulls” (Turkey) and the away clash against “Paris United” (Nov. 26).

The biggest sensation, which clearly outweighs all other news from the camp of the “Bears”, is inclusion of famed Russian amateur superstar Roman Romanchuk, who was once considered to be maybe the hardest P4P hitter in the unpaid ranks. Romanchuk is a two-time Russian national champion (2006 and 2007), World Cup winner in 2005, and Euro 2006 silver medalist.

Romanchuk was a long-time rival for 2005 world champion Alexander Alexeev and 2008 Olympic gold medalist Rakhim Chakhkiev, both of whom are now competing as pros. Unfortunately, Romanchuk is also infamous for a gun accident in July 2008, when he was controversially found guilty in killing an unlucky thug, who confronted him outside of the night club, and was sentenced to a year and a half in penal colony. He will fight for the first time after being freed. Romanchuk is 31 years of age; his younger brother Eduard is a professional boxer. 

The Roster for “Kremlin Bears” vs. “Istanbulls”
1. Kamron Kosimov (Russia, 1985, 1-0 as a pro) – bantamweight (119 lbs)
2. Adlan Abdurashidov (Russia, 1990) – lightweight (134.5 lbs)
3. Oleg Liseev (Russia, 1984, 1-0, 1 KO, as a pro) – middleweight (161 lbs)
4. Zhavlonbek Usmanov (Kyrgyzstan, 1988) – light heavyweight (187 lbs)
5. Roman Romanchuk (Russia, 1979) – super heavyweight (201+ lbs)

The Roster for “Kremlin Bears” vs. “Paris United”
1. Alisher Mahmudov (Uzbekistan, 1989) – bantamweight (119 lbs)
2. Ilyas Gudoberdov (Russia, 1990) – lightweight (134.5 lbs)
3. Apti Ustarhanov (Russia, 1990) – middleweight (161 lbs)
4. Dilovarsho Abdurakhmonov (Tajikistan, 1989) – light heavyweight (187 lbs)
5. Arbi Madaev (Russia, 1991) – super heavyweight (201+ lbs)