Ukrainian featherweight contender Arnold Khegai has signed a multi-fight promotional settlement with Prime Rank. Khegai (21-1-1, 13 KOs), who’s ranked No. 1 by the WBO and No. 3 by the IBF, is predicted to return in the summertime. “Arnold Khegai is among the absolute best featherweights on the earth, and he deserves a possibility to show himself on the championship degree,” mentioned Prime Rank Chairman Bob Arum. Khegai mentioned, “Signing with Prime Rank is a large milestone in my profession, and I’m grateful to Bob Arum for this chance. I’m able to battle for any of the belts at featherweight. I wish to present the world who I’m.” “Arnold is an extremely devoted and proficient fighter,” mentioned Sam Katkovski, Khegai’s supervisor. “He would be the subsequent world champion from Ukraine, following within the footsteps of Usyk and Lomachenko. Thanks to Prime Rank for giving us the chance.” Khegai, who was born to Korean dad and mom in Lymanske, Ukraine, turned to fight sports activities as a youngster to help his household. He was a two-time world champion in Thai boxing earlier than an novice boxing stint that noticed him turn out to be a nationwide champion. He debuted within the paid ranks in 2015 as a junior featherweight, contesting his first 12 bouts in Russia. He suffered his first blemish throughout this run, preventing to a cut up draw in opposition to then-unbeaten Yerzhan Zalilov in April 2016. Two years later, he made his U.S. debut by vanquishing Adam Lopez by way of eight-round unanimous resolution. He tallied 4 extra wins earlier than a choice loss to eventual unified champion Stephen Fulton. Khegai then moved as much as featherweight, the place he’s 5-0 with 3 KOs, together with a factors triumph in opposition to former world title challenger Eduardo Baez.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Govt Author, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a ardour for Fight Sports activities and likewise a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s additionally a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
