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New Zealand middleweight contender Andrei Mikhailovich is gearing up for a fight that could catapult him into a world title bout. Mikhailovich has moved up to fifth place in the IBF rankings after an impressive 19-0 record with 11 knockouts. He is set to take on Venezuelan Edisson Saltarin on April 27 at Fight For Life. If Mikhailovich wins, he could be in line to challenge the winner of the IBF world title bout between Brazilian Esquiva Falcao and Australian Michael Zerafa. Mikhailovich’s promoter, Dean Lonergan, said that a victory over Saltarin should see him progress to the number three spot.
Mikhailovich is ecstatic about his recent rise in the rankings and is looking forward to the next step. He has his sights set on his upcoming bout against Saltarin and is confident he will emerge victorious. Mikhailovich’s rise means he has overtaken heavyweight Joseph Parker (WBC No. 7 and WBO No. 10) as New Zealand’s second highest-ranked male boxer behind cruiserweight David Light (WBO No. 1).
In addition to Mikhailovich, Peach Boxing stable has three other fighters on the cusp of world titles. Cruiserweight David Light is set to take on Brit Lawrence Okolie in a WBO world cruiserweight showdown on March 25. Mea Motu is also set to fight Canada’s Tania Walters for IBO Super Bantamweight title in the main event of Fight For Life. Meanwhile, Jerome Pampellone, the classy light heavyweight, has surged to number 10 in the IBF rankings and will fight Mose Auimatagi on the Burger King I Am Hope Fight For Life card on April 27.
Trainer Isaac Peach said he was thrilled that things were starting to fall into place for Mikhailovich after several high-profile potential fights fell over last year. Peach Boxing is making a name for itself in the sport in New Zealand, with Lonergan comparing it to the past deeds of Kevin Barry, trainer of David Tua and Parker. Lonergan said that Peach Boxing is already committed to global excellence and has established itself as a beacon for the sport in New Zealand.
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