Comments Thread For: For Rakhim Chakhkiev - The Future is Now or Never

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

The title is provocative; the realm, however, is not. For 30-year old Russian cruiserweight Rakhim Chakhkiev, narrowly (not widely) known as the Machine Gun, his Friday fight versus WBC cruiserweight champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk will be the first title attempt in a pro career, lasting for three and a half years. Regardless the outcome, the feeling is that it will not be his last shot at title. The reason for some extra attention to a lonely championship collision at a remote venue in the city of Moscow is that it can easily produce one of the best fistic gems in a year, filled with them.

The upcoming clash has all tools of the hidden classic. Firstly, there’s a Russian fighter involved. Don’t forget, who the parts of previous FOTY candidates this year were: Ruslan Provodnikov gave hell of an effort in the Bradley fight, while Denis Lebedev (also in Moscow) was one half of the most grueling cruiserweight title affair in a very long time. Add Evgueny Gradovich in another notable performance with Billy Dib, and you’ll have a trend. Secondly, both combatants aren’t defensive-minded stylists – that’s for sure. A collision of a prudent slugger with a cautious puncher can produce fireworks, even though a mixture of styles isn’t as bombastic as an old cliché “Boxer vs. puncher” suggests us. Thirdly, the reason why this attraction will have a “hidden” label around it: both participants are well underestimated. [Click Here To Read More]

[Mikhnienko]

Makarenko was a LHW they weren't in the same division.

Rakhim needs to get away from Kluch's son and i wouldn't say he was brought along properly. Kotlobay was a good step up for his 12th fight but his level of compitition has declined since then and he's now facing a quality Champion without ever having fought a top 10 opponent or decent contender.

[King_]

Makarenko was a LHW they weren't in the same division.

Rakhim needs to get away from Kluch's son and i wouldn't say he was brought along properly. Kotlobay was a good step up for his 12th fight but his level of compitition has declined since then and he's now facing a quality Champion without ever having fought a top 10 opponent or decent contender.

I agree this is a HUGE step up in competition and it's pretty weird considering his last few fights. I like Wlod and props and respect to him for defending against Rakhim. Just like if cleverly defends against Kovalev, these are the fights/voluntary title defenses we need in boxing.

With that being said, WAR Chakhkiev!

[raf727]

War Chakhkiev, dude is a monster, one of the better body punchers in the game right now.

[GStalker]

Makarenko was a LHW they weren't in the same division.

Rakhim needs to get away from Kluch's son and i wouldn't say he was brought along properly. Kotlobay was a good step up for his 12th fight but his level of compitition has declined since then and he's now facing a quality Champion without ever having fought a top 10 opponent or decent contender.

I disagree with both statements:

1. Makarenko was mainly a light heavyweight. Yet, he competed at heavyweight when needed, and don't forget he has won 2002 Euro championship at 202 lbs. Moreover, Chakhkiev started his amateur career as a light heavyweight so he was indeed competing within the same limits with Makarenko.

2. Regardless Felix/Waldemar Kluch, Chakhkiev was brought up well indeed. He has avoided unnecessary risks, went rounds when needed, exposed some of his blemishes (in Mendoza and Taylor fights) and got higher ranks. He hasn't enough pro experience but he was a well decorated amateur, and it helps him to a degree as a pro.

[Mikhnienko]

I disagree with both statements:

1. Makarenko was mainly a light heavyweight. Yet, he competed at heavyweight when needed, and don't forget he has won 2002 Euro championship at 202 lbs. Moreover, Chakhkiev started his amateur career as a light heavyweight so he was indeed competing within the same limits with Makarenko.

2. Regardless Felix/Waldemar Kluch, Chakhkiev was brought up well indeed. He has avoided unnecessary risks, went rounds when needed, exposed some of his blemishes (in Mendoza and Taylor fights) and got higher ranks. He hasn't enough pro experience but he was a well decorated amateur, and it helps him to a degree as a pro.

I had no idea Makarenko won the Euros at HW. Was Chakhkiev competing at Russian Nationals as a LHW? He never won anything in that division that im aware of.

When you're facing a very experienced and solid Champion like Wlodarczyk but have never faced a world class opponent how can you say he's was brought along properly? You and i have different outlooks on the role of promoter in developing a prospect. Padding their record and getting them a undeserved title shot (if we're being completely honest) isn't helping them.

[GStalker]

I had no idea Makarenko won the Euros at HW. Was Chakhkiev competing at Russian Nationals as a LHW? He never won anything in that division that im aware of.

When you're facing a very experienced and solid Champion like Wlodarczyk but have never faced a world class opponent how can you say he's was brought along properly? You and i have different outlooks on the role of promoter in developing a prospect. Padding their record and getting them a undeserved title shot (if we're being completely honest) isn't helping them.

As far as I know, he has competed at light heavy at Russian national but Amateur Strefa would better know the details. One name is omitted in the story though (for bad) - Alexander Alexeev, who was another of perennial Rakhim's counterparts.

As for bringing the guy up. It's good to be tested - really. But it's not necessary in some cases. See Rigondeaux example, or various Thai fighters. And even if you had passed all the tests with flying colours, it doesn't mean you're of the championship quality - look at John Mugabi (who was hyped to be a superstar but ended to be an occasional champion) or, say, Michael Grant, or Andrzej Golota.

For Chakhkiev, I have a feeling, it'll be for good. And I cannot say he wasn't tested a bit - he was (in Taylor and Mendoza fights). Also don't forget, it's a voluntary defense. All in all, I think only the fight will tell us who was right or wrong.