Denis Shafikov: record, next fight and profile →
IBF lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez of Mexico jabbed and clinched his way to victory over the listless, previously undefeated Russian challenger Denis Shafikov, who averaged just 38 punches thrown/ 11 landed per round.
DO NOT READ BEYOND THIS POINT IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO LEARN RESULTS OF HBO2 BOXING TELECAST, WHICH AIRS VIA SAME-DAY TAPE DELAY SATURDAY AFTERNOON IN THE UNITED STATES.
Sometimes, patience is everything… It took Denis Shafikov (33-0-1, 18 KOs) over ten years of hard, diligent work to finally find his golden opportunity. This Saturday night IBF/WBO #3 lightweight faces reigning long-time IBF champion Miguel Vasquez (33-3, 13 KOs) at Cotai Arena in Far Eastern jewel of Macao. After years of fighting on Finnish and then the European boxing circuit, the Russian stylist has finally secured his title chance. It depends on Shafikov and his team, which version of Genghis Khan will appear on February 22, and if this version of Miass native is able to realize his life-long dream or not.
Undefeated Denis Shafikov discuss his upcoming fight with IBF lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez on Saturday night in Macau, China. Shafikov talks about the physical advantages of the champion and what he expects what Vazquez plans to do in the fight, and what he needs to do strategically to take the title back home.
Saturday’s doubleheader telecast airs at 5:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on HBO2. The telecast kicks off from CotaiArena at The Venetian Macao in Macau, China, as flyweights Zou Shiming and Yokthong Kokietgym square off for eight rounds and lightweights Miguel Vasquez and Denis Shafikov meet in a title fight slated for 12 rounds on HBO2.
IBF lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez of Mexico has no worries, as his upcoming defense approaches with undefeated Russian challenger Denis Shafikov. The two fighters will collide on Saturday night at the Cotai Arena at the Venetia in Macua, China. Vazquez is confident his boxing ability, and experience at the highest level, will be too much for the unbeaten Shafikov to handle.
The weights are in for Saturday's card at the Cotai Arena, located at the Venetian Resort in Macau, China. Two-time Olympic gold medal winner Zou Shiming (3-0), now stepping up to eight round fights, was 111.8-pounds, while his more experienced opponent from Thailan, Yokthong Kokietgym (15-3, 11KOs), was 110.6-pounds. IBF lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez (33-3, 13KOs) was on the mark, weighing in at 134.8-pounds, and his undefeated top challenger Denis Shafikov (33-0-1, 18KOs) was also 134.8-pounds.
Macau, China --- "RING OF GOLD" --- Two-time Olympic gold medalist Zou Shiming(ctr) poses with (L-R) 2012 Olympic gold medalist Ryota Murata, IBF Lightweight champion Miguel Angel Vazquez, undefeated Denis Shafikov and 2012 Olympic gold medalist Egor Mekhontsev during the final press conference Thursday at The Venetian Macao Resort for their upcoming feature fights on Saturday, February 22 from the Cotai Arena at The Venetian Macao Resort in Macau,China. Photos by Chris Farina.
The lightweight world champion of the International Boxing Federation (IBF), Mexico's Miguel Vazquez, jumped on a plane this past Friday to travel to Macau for the upcoming defense of his title against unbeaten Russian Denis Shafikov on the 22nd of February at the Cotai Arena at the Venetian Resort in Macau. Vazquez (33-3, 13 KOs), with the help of his trainer Javier Capetillo, feels very confident as the fight with Shafikov (33-0-1, 18 KOs) nears.
According to the director of Ural Boxing Promotions, Alexei Vasiliev, Denis Shafikov (33-0, 18KOs) sparred some rounds with two-time Olympic gold medal winner Zou Shiming (3-0). The two fighters will both be in action on February 22nd at the Cotai Arena of the Venetian Resort in Macau, China. Shafikov will challenge IBF lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez, while Shiming will have his fourth bout as a pro against the experienced Yokthong Kokietgym.