Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
Former Russian light-heavyweight champion Denis Lebedev (21-1, 16 KO’s) has joined forces with former undisputed light-welterweight champion Kotsya Tszyu as he prepares to take on American Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr (54-7-0, 40 KO’s) in Moscow on the 21st of May.
The 31 year-old is one the back of his only career loss to date, a controversial split decision defeat against WBO cruiserweight champion Marco Huck in December and will be looking to get back to winning ways. Lebedev racked up eight straight wins at 200lbs after a four-year absence from the sport between 2004-2008 after previously winning the Russian 175lb title in only his third fight.
The eccentric southpaw has now joined the Russian-born Australian Tszyu’s Rockdale gym and will train under the guidance of the former 140lb star as he prepares to face the aging former light-heavyweight king, who continues to box despite losing six out of his last eleven bouts. Jones, 42, was knocked out by Antonio Tarver in devastating fashion in 2004 and has never really recovered his form enough to be a world title threat.
On the undercard, undefeated bantamweight Alexander Bakhtin will be looking for his 27th straight victory. The 29 year-old came through a WBC title eliminator in February 2010 and will look to keep on track for his title shot against an as yet un-named opponent.
WBN Editor
Russian cruiserweight teams up with former world champ
The 31 year-old is one the back of his only career loss to date, a controversial split decision defeat against WBO cruiserweight champion Marco Huck in December and will be looking to get back to winning ways. Lebedev racked up eight straight wins at 200lbs after a four-year absence from the sport between 2004-2008 after previously winning the Russian 175lb title in only his third fight.
The eccentric southpaw has now joined the Russian-born Australian Tszyu’s Rockdale gym and will train under the guidance of the former 140lb star as he prepares to face the aging former light-heavyweight king, who continues to box despite losing six out of his last eleven bouts. Jones, 42, was knocked out by Antonio Tarver in devastating fashion in 2004 and has never really recovered his form enough to be a world title threat.
On the undercard, undefeated bantamweight Alexander Bakhtin will be looking for his 27th straight victory. The 29 year-old came through a WBC title eliminator in February 2010 and will look to keep on track for his title shot against an as yet un-named opponent.