In Russia, on the undercard of Krzysztof Wlodarczyk's WBC title defense against Rakhim Chakhkiev, fans can see the experienced Denis Bakhtov (36-8, 24) taking on novice Heavyweight Vladimir Goncharov (2-0, 1). On paper this looks like a mismatch but Goncharov is viewed as a fighter that could be fast tracked. Is this a step too too far too soon, or is an excellent bit of match making, only time will tell but it's great to see a unbeaten fighter who isn't being protected.
In the US the hard hitting Joey Abell (28-6-0-2, 27) faces Maurenzo Smith (11-6-2, 8). Whilst this isn't an awful match up it's certainly not great with Smith losing his last 4 (albeit 3 of those came to unbeaten prospects) and Abell ending a 13 month lay off. A decent undercard bout but nothing else to get excited about.
On the same card as the Abell/Smith fight we expect the debut of Pat Quinn (0-0) who should be taking on John Schimon (0-1). Aged 36 we don't expect too much of Quinn and at 44 Schimon is also unlikely to go too far.