Khataevs set for December 7 bouts in a bid to conclude impressive 2024

Imam Khataev returns to the ring in Grozny in Russia on December 7, when he meets Cuban contender Yunior Mendez at the Colosseum.

Khataev is now 8-0 (8 KOs) he has risen rapidly through the ranks. In January, on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev-Callum Smith, he stopped Poland’s Michal Ludwiczak in the second round. In May, he followed up by stopping former contender Ricards Bolotniks in the sixth round in Sydney, Australia, on the undercard of Vasiliy Lomachenko and George Kambosos. Then, in November, he returned to Montreal to defeat Beijing Olympics participant Ezequiel Maderna in seven. He is now the IBF’s No. 7 and the WBC’s 13th ranked contender.

Menendez is 11-0, with 8 KOs, is a Panama-based Cuban and the 28-year-old earned his WBC ranking with a quick stoppage of veteran Junior Boada.

“Imam dedicates his life to boxing. He’s every promoter’s dream – a guy who’s constantly training and staying active. It’s perfect for us because facing Yunior Menendez, a top-15 fighter in the world, with less than a month’s notice is quite a challenge,” said Khataev’s promoter Camille Estephan.

Khataev added: “I’m always working to be ready to face anyone, anywhere, anytime. On December 7, I plan to put on another great show, demonstrate my progress, and, most importantly, get closer to a world title. I won’t stop until I become the undisputed champion.”

In the co-main event, Eye of the Tiger prospect Shamil “The Warrior” Khataev, 13-0-1, (4 KOs), will step into the ring right before his older brother’s fight to take on the 2021 Olympian and Ugandan champion Shadiri Musa Bwogi (7-0, 5 KOs).

“It’s exciting to fight at home again, especially for a title. Even though an ocean separates us, I want to make it clear that I have no intention of disappointing my team or Eye of the Tiger’s fans in Canada,” said Shamil Khataev.