Undefeated heavyweight KO artist Apti Davtaev will make his long-awaited American debut no hnub Friday night on the untelevised undercard of two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa “T-Rex” Shields (4-0, 2 Kos) defense of her WBC and IBF titles against undefeated mandatory challenger Tori Nelson (17-0-3, 2 Kos) nyob rau ntawm lub Txoj siav pob zeb Resort Twv txiaj yuam pov nyob rau hauv Verona, New York.

A recent signing of Salita Promotions, Davtaev (13-0-1, 13 Kos), from Kurchaloi, Russia, will take on Philadelphia-based veteran Garrett “Lub qhov kawg Warrior” Wilson (18-13-1, 9 Kos) in an eight-round showcase.

Standing an imposing 6 ‘5″ and already having won the WBC Slovenian title in just his tenth pro fight, Davtaev moved from his training base in Grozny to Detroit to work with well-respected Javan SugarHill Steward at the Kronk Gym.

“I loved training in Detroit with SugarHill Steward,” said Davtaev. “I feel my skills are going to a new level and I look forward to showing them off on January 12. I know Wilson is experienced and has fought some very good fighters, but I am in great shape and ready to put on a show!”

Not looking to waste any time, the 28-year-old Davtaev says he’ll be looking for “names” in the big man’s division of boxing after this fight.

“My goals are to stay active and fight the better names in the division this year,” nws hais tias. “I look forward to showing the boxing fans my skills and challenging the big names. The fans in New York can expect to see a new contender in the heavyweight division.”

Steward, nephew of the great Emanuel Steward and quickly building a strong reputation of his own, says that Davtaev has what it takes.

“Apti is a strong, coordinated, big heavyweight who will be ready to compete very soon with the other contenders in the division. I am very impressed with his ability to learn and to transfer what he’s learned into sparring. I am excited to see Apti in action January 12 for his American debut. I expect to see an exciting knockout!”

Presented by Salita Promotions, Shields vs. Nelson will serve as the headliner of a televised tripleheader on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. THIAB/PT).

Also featured on the January 12 telecast, Uzbekistan hwj chim-xuas nrig ntaus Shakh Ergashev (11-0, 11 Kos) yuav fim khub undefeated thiab sab saum toj-10 ranked Sonny Fredrickson (18-0, 12 Kos) ntawm Toledo, Ohio. Nyob rau hauv lub co-feature, Jesse Hernandez (10-1, 7 Kos) yuav siv sij hawm nyob rau hauv Ernesto Garza (9-2, 5 Kos; 1-3 WSB) nyob rau hauv ib tug 10-round super bantamweight bout.

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