By Luke Furman

Last night, as part of the ShoBox televised tripleheader from the Aviator Sports and Events Center in Brooklyn, undefeated power-punching middleweight Ievgen “The Ukrainian Lion” Khytrov (10-0, 9 KOs) was taken the distace for the first time in winning a strong eight round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Aaron “Heavy Metal” Coley (9-1-1, 6 KOs).

“The atmosphere training in Big Bear was amazing.  It was one of the best training camps I’ve had.  I’ve never been through a camp in the amateurs like that," Khytrov said.

“I had a chance to meet Gennady in Big Bear and we spoke and actually became pretty close.  We talked about training regime, stuff athletes talk about.  I loved it there.

Khytrov, a respected amateur, saw his recent win against Jorge Melendez and Friday's victory as learning lessons.

“The adjustment from amateurs to pros has been fine.  The only difference is handling the different rounds and realizing that you have to pace yourself for these eight, 10, 12 round fights," Khytrov said.

“The best time to knock a guy out is in the first two rounds when they aren’t warmed up yet.  I tried against (Jorge) Melendez but I couldn’t get him out.  I just realized I needed to pace myself for the other six rounds and work the body.  It was nice to get those rounds and experience against a tough fighter.

Khytrov aims to be a top ten fighter by the end of the year and of course he wants to secure a crack at the king of his weight class, WBA/IBO champion Golovkin.

“Personally, health allowing, I think I should be a contender by the end of 2015.  But I put all my trust into my team.  They know best.  My job is just to train and prepare for everything they put in front of me," Khytrov said.

“Yes, 100 percent I’d like to face Gennady.  To be the best you have to fight the best.  And right now I consider him to be the best 160 pound fighter in the world.”

Luke Furman covers boxing for bokser.org.