Włodarczyk could return to Moscow. Three challenges await him there

After his June victory over Rakhim Chakhkiev in Moscow, WBC cruiserweight champion Krzysztof Włodarczyk has not ruled out another visit to the Russian capital. A rematch with Chakhkiev or a fight against Grigory Drozd are both possibilities. The camp of Denis Lebedev, the WBA champion, has also spoken about a bout with “Diablo”, at least in statements to the media.

During Saturday’s event in Wałcz, speaking to Polsat Sport cameras, the 32-year-old Włodarczyk confirmed that he will most likely have his next fight on February 22. His opponent in the heavyweight division is expected to be Albert Sosnowski. However, the Pole stressed that in 2014 he intends to continue defending his WBC cruiserweight title. It is therefore possible that he will fly to Moscow again in a few months.

Chakhkiev still has his sights set on Włodarczyk’s green belt. After his June defeat, the Russian beat Giulian Ilie, and in the coming weeks he is expected to face Silvio Branco for the WBC Silver title. A victory would allow him to maintain his high ranking—he is currently second—and perhaps even move up. The date and location of the fight should be determined by January 3.

Businessman Andrei Ryabinsky would presumably also be interested in bringing Włodarczyk to Russia. After the major event in Moscow at which Wladimir Klitschko fought Alexander Povetkin, he invited Drozd to join his group. In October, the 34-year-old boxer took the European title from Mateusz Masternak. He is third in the WBC rankings, and is scheduled to have his next fight on March 15 in the Russian capital.

WBA champion Denis Lebedev is also expected to enter the ring in March. However, his promoters still cannot reach an agreement with Don King on the terms of a rematch with Guillermo Jones. Ryabinsky is backing the Russian champion, while Wladimir Khryunov is supporting him in the negotiations.

“We wanted, and still want, the fight with Jones. Don King did everything he could to strip Lebedev of the WBA title, but it did not work. Andrei Ryabinsky presented him with a very attractive offer, exceptional for the cruiserweight division. King only needs to sign it. In any case, Denis will make a mandatory title defense in March,” Khryunov told Russian media. “As for Krzysztof Włodarczyk, he is our ‘plan B’. This option must already be taken into consideration,” he added.

Chakhkiev, Drozd or Lebedev? Regardless of which Russian stands opposite Włodarczyk for the seventh defense of his WBC title, the task will be far more difficult than it was in early December in Chicago. On that occasion, Giacobbe Fragomeni failed to come out for the seventh round. However, the risk of traveling to Moscow will be handsomely rewarded. Since the first fight with Chakhkiev brought “Diablo” the biggest payday of his career, it is hard to expect the rematch not to set another financial record.

Przemysław Osiak, przegladsportowy.pl