Kazakhstan prodigy Tursynbay Kulakhmet steps into the ring as a professional for the second time when he faces Macaulay McGowan over 10 rounds at junior-middleweight on Wednesday.
Kulakhmet, a 2019 World Championships bronze medalist, made his pro debut on Aug. 23 when he knocked out former amateur standout Sagadat Rakhmankul in four rounds.
His second fight against Manchester's McGowan will be for the vacant WBC International title, meaning he could be fast-tracked into world title contention very early in his promising career if he can take the Brit's own undefeated record.
McGowan, who has won four fights on the spin since a draw in 2016, says Kulakhmet's team will regret selecting him as an opponent so soon into his professional journey.
He told MTK: “He was a good amateur and obviously wants to fast track to world titles as that seems to be a common theme with top amateurs turning professional, but he’s made a mistake fighting me.
"I expect a technical battle at first but once I’ve got to grips of him, I’ll go through the motions and do a job on him.
“I’m being pretty much written off for this one, but I know what I’m about and that’s all that matters. There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll win."
Kulakhmet, meanwhile, told MTK: “I’m excited to fight on this MTK Fight Night card. It’s a big opportunity for me to show the UK fans who I am in boxing.
“My debut fight was interesting in my country because my opponent was a three-time champion of Kazakhstan and had good experience in professional boxing, but I showed my skills.
“I know a lot of guys in the UK, but I don’t know much about McGowan. I watched his fights on YouTube, and I will show sharp, classy, high quality boxing that I hope all of my fans will enjoy.”
Kulakhmet vs. McGowan fight date, start time
- Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11 2020
- Time: 7 p.m. GMT/2 p.m. ET
- Main event: 10 p.m. GMT/5 p.m. ET
Kulakhmet vs. McGowan TV channel, live stream
- U.K.: IFL TV
- U.S.: ESPN+
Where is the Kulakhmet vs. McGowan fight?
The action comes to us from Production Park Studios in Wakefield, England. As with most shows since the COVID-19 pandemic, fans will not be in attendance.Kulakhmet record and bio
- Nationality: Kazakh
- Born: Kyzylorda
- Total fights: 1
- Record: 1-0, 1 KO
McGowan record and bio
- Nationality: British
- Born: Manchester
- Total fights: 15
- Record: 14-0-1, 3 KOs
Kulakhmet vs. McGowan card
- Tursynbay Kulakhmet vs. Macaulay McGowan, 10 rounds for vacant WBC International super-welterweight title
- Paddy Donovan vs. Jumanne Camero, 6 rounds at welterweight
- Jack Rafferty vs. Tom Hill, 8 rounds at junior middleweight
- Hassan Azim vs. MJ Hall, 4 rounds at welterweight
- Inder Bassi vs. Jack Martin, 6 rounds at junior middleweight