Rumble in Red Square: the return of a boxing champion

Moscow is hosting the ‘Ringstars at Red Square’ boxing show on Saturday, with all eyes on former world heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev. The Russian wants to get back to the top of the heavyweight division and takes on American Robert Hawkins.

Maskaev is in full training and at a crucial point in his career. It could become his first step on the way back to the pinnacle of the sport.

“I want to make my way back to the top of world boxing,” said Maskaev. “That's exactly what me and my whole team are aiming to do. Robert is a good opponent for me to take that first step.”

In 1995 ‘The Big O’ knocked Hawkins out in the fourth round. 13 years later his opponent seems to have nothing to lose and is determined to win, though he confessed he has a lot of respect for Maskaev.

Besides the two experienced boxers, there's another attraction in store. Double amateur champion of Russia, Magomed Abdusalamov, will have his first ever professional bout. Having a unique record of winning all his previous fights by knock-outs, the 27 year old is confident about defeating his challenger, Ghana's Epyphany Pipi.

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