Russian Olympian Matt Korobov, a young, powerful middleweight, has signed with Top Rank. He will make his pro debut on a Top Rank Pay-View-Card headlined by Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and world flyweight champion Nonito Donaire at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 1.
Bob Arum made the announcement today, noting "....this is a very significant signing and an exciting time for everyone at Top Rank."
Arum added "...Top Rank for many years has had a recruiting program that in every four years, in conjunction with the Olympics, we select one or two prospects whether or not they have won medals at the Olympics or even have participated at the Olympics.
"In 1992 we selected Oscar De La Hoya, an Olympic gold medalist. In 1996, it was Floyd Mayweather Jr. In 2000, we selected Miguel Cotto who lost in the first round and a young Kelly Pavlik who did not make the Olympic team. In 2004, we selected Vanes Martirosyan, a USA Olympian and Mike Alvarado who did not even make the team. This year we have selected Matt Korobov who we believe will become one of the biggest superstars in boxing."
Cameron Dunkin, the agent for Korobov, said "...he is extremely strong and powerful." Dunkin said Korobov is a "four-time Russian amateur champion."
Bruce Trampler, chief matchmaker for Top Rank, described Korobov as a "tall, very skilled middleweight who throws excellent combinations and strikes with power."
Korobov, 25, of Orotukan, Russia, will make his pro debut on a Top Rank PPV card on Nov. 1. The Son of the Legend, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., will be in the main event. Nonito Donaire, the IBF flyweight champion, will make his Top Rank debut in a world title defense. Korobov will fight on the PPV card which will be broadcast worldwide.
Arum will outline the entire Nov. 1 PPV at a press conference at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles on Monday, Sept. 22.
MATT KOROBOV
1-7-83 - 25 years old
Orotukan, Russia
4-Time Russian National Champion
2001-Junior European Championships - Gold Medalist
2002-Military World Champiionships - Gold Medalist
2003-Military World Games - Gold Medalist
2005-World Cup Gold Medalist - Moscow, Russia
2006-European Championships - Gold Medalist - Bulgaria
2007-World Championships - Gold Medalist - Chicago
2008-Russian Middleweight Olympic Participant