Dmitry, who won a bronze medal at the 2023 World Championship, secured a technical knockout in the fifth round against Jasurbek Latipov from Uzbekistan, a multiple medalist in World Championships and the Asian champion of 2017. The match was stopped due to Latipov’s inability to continue.
In his comments to the press service of the Russian Boxing Federation, Dmitry reflected on the fight and shared his future plans:
“My professional debut in the ring went smoothly. Despite the nerves, I achieved the desired result. I followed the coaches’ instructions, focused on my leading hand, and everything went according to plan.
I finished the fight in the fifth round, but it’s important to note that my opponent was highly experienced. Today, I felt the difference between Olympic and professional boxing. Professional boxing allows more time for strategic thinking in the ring, whereas Olympic boxing is more fast-paced. However, professional boxing showcases a higher level of technicality and aesthetics. The disparity is significant.
Tomorrow, I will be heading to Kislovodsk to prepare for the European Championship. The Russian national team has set its sights on winning multiple gold medals.”
It is worth mentioning that Dmitry, a sophomore in the Coach-Instructor educational programme, previously won a bronze medal in the 54 kg weight category at the 2023 IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships in Tashkent in May of last year.
Photo: Boxing Federation of Russia