Richard Commey To Face Denis Shafikov In Russia

Ghana’s Richard Commey (24-1-22kos) and Denis Shafikov (37-2-1-20kos) will clash in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) final eliminator on the midweek date of December 7, 2016 in Russia.

The event will be promoted by Ural Boxing Promotions. The winner of the contest will become the mandatory challenger to IBF Lightwight champion Robert Easter Jr. of the United States.

The IBF held a purse bid on Wednesday and Warriors Boxing Partners with Ural on Shafikov secured the promotional rights with a bid of $61,000. Sauerland events on behalf of Commey, bid $45,300.

Shafikov has had two failed opportunities at the IBF world title. In 2014, he lost a twelve round unanimous decision to Miguel Vazquez at the Coatai Arena in Macao, China, and last December, he dropped a twelve rounds decision to Rances Barthelemy at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas.

He bounced back in July with a TKO victory over previously undefeated Jamel Herring.

Shafikov is trained by veteran coach Abel Sanchez who is best known for his work with middleweight king Gennady Golovkin.

Commey punched his way through the ranks to secure a title shot last month. Last year he made his American debut in Las Vegas with a bruising stoppage over highly rated Bahodir Mamadjonov. He came back to the States on September 9, and went to war with Robert Easter for the vacant IBF title. In one of the best fights ever, Commey lost a close twelve rounds split decision.

A win over Shafikov will get him the rematch he has demanded, and the second war with Easter will be brutal.

Many Ghanaian boxing fans, including the President of the Ghana Boxing Authority, Peter Zwennes thought Commey won against Easter who showed what he could do only in the last round, but Commey commanded the fight.

Fighting in Russia would be another tough one for Commey, against the opponent in the ring and fans beside the ring, but he believes with God, all things are possible, and he can go to Russia and deliver a knockout victory.

His trainer, Nii Karl Lokko says it is possible to win in Russia and face Easter again.