Sergey Lipinets Eyes June Return, Longs For Future Crawford Clash

By Jake Donovan

Sergey Lipinets has yet to celebrate his two-year anniversary in the pro ranks, but the unbeaten super lightweight prospect remains his own worst critic.

The 27-year old Kazakhstan-born boxer – who lives in Russia but trains in California – impressed in his most recent ring appearance, a 5th round stoppage of Levan Ghvamichava earlier this month in Nice, California. The Fox Sports 1-televised matchup of rising prospects was competitive in spots but ending with Lipinets scoring a 5th round body-shot knockout.

“After watching the reply, I realized that there were punches that I should have thrown and I didn't for whatever reason, but that's something to work on,” Lipinets told BoxingScene.com.
“Overall I was happy with the win and with the way I got it.”

The bout was his first since a 10-round nod over previously unbeaten Haskell Lydell Rhodes last October, a fight that aired on Bounce TV. His win over Ghvamichava marked his third U.S.-televised appearance, his stateside network debut coming in a Telemundo-aired knockout of Cosme Rivera last June.

Not one to speak much even in comfortable surroundings, Lipinets is genuinely excited about what the future has in store. He and his team remain tight-lipped, however, in regards to what lies ahead, other than hoping for a ring return in late spring or early summertime.

"As far as me coming back in the ring, I could do it tomorrow,” Lipinets insists. I have no bumps and no bruises, but it's up to my team."

Added Alex Vayfield, Lipinet's co-manager: "We are not looking farther then the next fight and we expect that will be in June.”

Opponents have not yet been discussed, although Lipinets doesn’t seem interested in remaining at the prospect level much longer.

"Terence Crawford is the best out there at (140 lbs.) hands down, and it would be a great challenge for me to be in the same ring with him," notes Lipinets, who is advised by Al Haymon.

Crawford - promoted by Top Rank whom doesn't conduct much business with Haymon-advised fighters - is coming off of a 5th round stoppage of Hank Lundy. The unbeaten super lightweight titlist and former lightweight king is being groomed for a July ring return, potentially versus fellow 140-pound beltholder Viktor Postol.

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox