The current number 5 ranked cruiserweight by the WBC, Rakhim “The Machine” Chakhkiev (14-0, 11 KOs) watched with great attention the rematch between the reigning WBC champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (47-2-1, 33 KOs) and his mandatory challenger Francisco Palacios (21-2, 13 KOs). With Wlodarczyk’s win, he hopes to be able soon to compete against the champion.
“I definitely want to hold the WBC belt in my hands. I hope that Wlodarczyk is a great champion and gives me the chance,” said Chakhkiev. First though, he’ll be in action on October 12 in Hamburg, facing Alejandro Emilio Valori (9-3, 6 KOs).
He’s ready for the challenge though and isn’t looking too far ahead, and doesn’t care about the uncomfortable style that the Argentinean boxer presents. “I could not care less. I want to show my best boxing in the ring, no matter whom I have before me. And of course I want to give my fans in the hall a spectacular knockout. Therefore I train hard every day,” says Chakhkiev.
A win at the Hamburg Fight Night would go a long way towards helping the 2008 Olympic champion towards his next big step in his professional career.
“I would love to have a boxing world title,” said Chakhkiev.
“I would also immediately compete against Huck and Hernandez. The latter I have already defeated even as an amateur,”said Chakhkiev.
His new coach Anthony Brooks is in any case certain that the world title is a short time away only. “Rakhim is in the ring a real beast and his body shots can be heard throughout the gym. I am confident that he can Valori beat without problems and will soon be fighting for the world championship,” Brooks said.
“We are working flat out on a world title fight, but that’s not so easy, many do not believe that fighting Rakhim will be easy easy,” says Waldemar Kluch. Therefore, Chakhkiev first needs to continue to bring in wins and climb up the rankings before he gets his shot.
