Lee Selby challenges Evgeny Gradovich for the IBF featherweight title
Opposite corner: Evgeny Gradovich
Tuesday 26 May 2015 14:53, UK
We take a closer look at Evgeny Gradovich ahead of his IBF world title defence against Lee Selby at The 02 on March 30, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Where does he hail from?
Gradovich grew up in Siberia, but decided to launch his professional career in America and now lives in Oxnard, California.
How long has he been fighting?
The unbeaten 28-year-old made his debut in 2010 and needed just 15 fights to secure a world title, taking the IBF crown with a split decision win over Billy Dib in 2013. He's still only boxed 20 times (19-0-1-KO9).
Does he have any close friends in boxing?
He forged a close friendship with Ruslan Provodnikov at the local school. They later shared a room at university and Gradovich still attends some of Provodnikov's professional fights.
Has he always been passionate about the sport?
No, he was more interested in football, but was considered too small for selection. Gradovich attended boxing lessons instead and soon stood out as a talented fighter.
Did he impress in the amateur ranks?
Yes, Gradovich had around 150 amateur fights, winning in excess of 120. His performances earned him a place on the Russian National team in 2007 and 2008.
Who was his best performance against?
The rematch with Dib. He had edged out Dib in the first encounter, but cleared up any controversy a few months later in their second meeting. The Australian was floored in the sixth round before his cornerman waved off the fight in the ninth.
Why is he known as the Mexican Russian?
He's a busy fighter who has overwhelmed many of his opponents with his relentless work-rate. He is a sharp puncher, but lacks genuine knockout power, and has halted only nine of his 19 opponents.
Is he going to make a big impact in Britain?
Little is known about him ahead of his showdown with Selby, but he would greatly enhance his reputation with a win over the Welshman. The Barry boxer is highly rated on these shores after impressive wins over the likes of Rendall Munroe and Joel Brunker.
Can be emerge as one of the next major stars in boxing?
The featherweight division is packed with big names such as Vasyl Lomachenko, Abner Mares and Nicholas Walters, while Leo Santa Cruz appears to have joined the weight class. If he can cling onto his title in the capital, then career-changing fights could lie ahead. And he has just been crowned the IBF fighter of the year.
So can I follow him in the build-up?
He arrived in the UK on Sunday and will be at a press conference on Thursday, live on Sky Sports News. And if you find him on Instagram, you will see he loves it over here already... evgenygradovich
Watch Selby v Gradovich live and exclusive as part of Brook v Gavin, on Sky Sports Box Office on May 30, including Joshua and Mitchell. Book via your phone or online now. If you want to record the event, book via your Sky remote. skysports.com/brookgavinskysports.com/brookgavin
