Denis Lebedev vs. Youri Kalenga: Fight Time, Date, Predictions and Preview
The cruiserweight division isn't exactly the glamour weight class of boxing, but there's a dandy on tap this Saturday in Moscow. WBA champion Denis Lebedev (26-2, 20 KO) will defend his title against Ring Magazine's No. 9-rated cruiserweight, Youri "El Toro" Kalenga (21-1, 14 KO). The Russian-born Lebedev will have a clear home-field advantage, but he and Kalenga will be the only two men in the ring.
If you're in Russia, you'll have a chance to watch this bout on television.
When: Saturday, April 10, at 11 a.m. ET and 6 p.m. local time
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Where: Luzhniki in Moscow
TV: Fight will only be broadcasted in Russia (Check local listings)
Inactivity and Bravery
Back in 2012, Lebedev told Anson Wainwright of MaxBoxing that he wanted to have four fights in one year. That hasn't come close to happening. His brutal loss to Guillermo Jones in 2013 put him on the shelf for a time. Jones was subsequently stripped of the title following a positive test for a banned substance.
The two fighters were supposed to meet in a rematch, but Jones again failed a drug test, and the second meeting was cancelled.
Because of the saga with Jones, Lebedev has fought just once in just under two years. At 35 years old, that's a bit of a concern. That said, there's no questioning Lebedev's heart. After the beatdown he took from Jones in their first fight, it took a lot of courage to jump at the chance to face him a second time.
Lebedev's grotesquely swollen eye from the first fight with Jones is one of those images that forever sticks in your mind. In his last fight, Lebedev easily dispatched Pawel Kolodziej via second-round KO. He knows the battle with Kalenga will be a tougher fight.
During a pre-fight press conference, with quotes captured by Alexey Sukachev of BoxingScene.com, Lebedev said:
"I clearly expect a tough fight because of the fact Kalenga is stronger than my previous opponent (Pawel Kolodziej). I like his mentality, his desire to come in and fight whenever he is forced to. He reminds me of Rakhim Chakhkiev. However, Rakhim is a southpaw, and Youri is a different story.
"
Kalenga is "a different story" indeed.
EL Toro Is Seeing Red
Per the tweet from Kalenga's manager, Gary Hyde, there's been no travel complications. Kalenga's eyes are firmly set on the target.
The 27-year-old from the Congo, who now resides in France, is a powerful puncher with his own wealth of toughness. According to fight records on BoxRec.com, Kalenga has never been down. However, he's surely put his share of opponents on the mat.
Kalenga has scored a stoppage win in four of his last five fights, and he hasn't lost since dropping a unanimous decision to Arturs Kulikauskis in 2013. Per the press conference, Kalenga showed respect for Lebedev, but he made it plain: He's coming for his title.
“I’ve been in the camp for quite a time." Kalenga said. "And I’ve studied Lebedev’s tapes perfectly. He is known for his durability but I know I’ll take his belt with me. I’ve been boxing my entire life; my father was a professional boxer so I feel no fear. I’m here to defeat Lebedev and take his title.”
Can Kalenga take advantage of his first shot at a world championship?
Prediction
Lebedev is going up against a determined, rugged and powerful foe. Both men pack a significant punch, but Lebedev's defense is a bit tighter. Kalenga is there to be hit, but he seems to be willing to take a shot so that he can land his hard left hook or crushing right hand.
The question is, can he afford to fight that way against Lebedev? The champion has a KO percentage of 71.43 percent, and 12 of his last 13 wins have come by stoppage. Kalenga's chin will be put to the test in this one.
Lebedev struggles with length. That's part of the reason Jones gave him such a problem. Jones stands 6'4" and has a 76" reach. Kalenga is just over six feet tall. His reach isn't listed by BoxRec, but when looking at him in the ring, his arm length from fist to armpit doesn't look to be close to 76".
Kalenga is taller than the 5'11" champion, but he doesn't possess a big enough height advantage to make it a factor in the fight.
This bout will come down to counter punching, and Lebedev has the edge in that category. He'll time Kalenga's aggressive advances and catch him with hard counters that set up a TKO win in the middle rounds.
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