Radivoje “Scorching Rod” Kalajdzic celebrates after stopping undefeated Travis Peterkin in the primary occasion of a ShoBox card. Picture / Tom On line casino-SHOWTIME
Radivoje Kalajdzic could have been down, however is way from out so far as being a legit contender at 175 kilos.
Kalajdzic will face Sullivan Barrera tonight on the Whitesands (often known as the ProBox TV) Occasions Heart in Plant Metropolis, Florida. The ten-round bout will stream dwell on the ProBox TV Youtube web page and utility (8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT).
At Tuesday’s weigh-in, each fighters weighed in at 174 kilos.
In his final bout on September 6, Kalajdzic (28-2, 22 knockouts), who’s initially from Belgrade, Serbia and now resides in close by Saint Petersburg, broke down sport Mickey Ellison earlier than the battle was stopped within the eighth spherical. The win over Ellison occurred nearly 16 months after stopping Ernest Amuzu within the opening spherical.
“I used to be blissful that I acquired the win (in opposition to Ellison), however wasn’t actually proud of my efficiency,” Kalajdzic advised The Ring Sunday afternoon. “After the battle, I spotted I had COVID and that’s why I couldn’t carry out the way in which I wished to.”
Kalajdzic will face a fighter in Barrera who has not fought since shedding by knockout to Gilberto Ramirez in July 2021. Barrera (22-4, 14 KOs), who challenged Dmitri Bivol for the WBA world gentle heavyweight title in March 2018, has misplaced three of his final 4 bouts.
Regardless of Barrera’s struggles in his most up-to-date fights, Kalajdzic shouldn’t be overlooking Barrera and is prepared for his greatest tonight.
“I consider Sullivan Barrera continues to be harmful,” stated Kalajdzic, who’s managed by Ryan Rickey. “He nonetheless has energy, and quite a lot of expertise, and is coming to win.”
The 32-year-old has gained his final 4 fights since shedding by knockout to unified world titleholder Artur Beterbiev in Could 2019. His different setback got here in April 2016, shedding by split-decision to Marcus Browne in a battle a number of media members at ringside thought Kaladjzic did sufficient to win.
After the loss to Beterbiev, the unbeaten No. 1-rated gentle heavyweight reached out and referred to as Kalajdzic for sparring. Kalajdzic acknowledged he’s once more working with Beterbiev after the Barrera battle, as Beterbiev is getting ready for a showdown in opposition to Bivol for the Ring Journal and undisputed gentle heavyweight championship.
Beterbiev and Bivol are presently rated No. 1 and a pair of, respectively, by The Ring.
“Sparring Artur Beterbiev was a extremely good expertise and helped me to remain calm and take care of strain higher,” stated Kalajdzic. “(It was) nice work total.
“I discovered that I can compete with high guys and belong on (this) stage.”
Kalajdzic may very well be a win or two away from once more difficult for a world title belt.
Apart from Beterbiev and Bivol, the division is large open. Kalajdzic is open to going through any of the opposite contenders within the division and proving his value as a legit contender.
Kalajdzic is hoping to battle once more quickly, or a battle in opposition to a high contender might be made for later this 12 months.
“I might fee myself someplace within the high 10. They’ve guys forward of me that I’m method higher than (them). I haven’t been actually lively so I didn’t have an opportunity to show it, however I’ll this 12 months, beginning with Sullivan Barrera.
“I simply need to showcase my abilities and look actually good doing it, and hope folks benefit from the battle and need to see extra.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has coated boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He might be reached at [email protected]
Observe @FSalazarBoxing
