Jones Shakes Off Hibernation To Meet Lebedev In Russia

ByBoxing Press

The long-awaited unification bout between WBA cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev (25-1, 19 KOs), from Chekhov, Russia, and WBA cruiserweight champion in recess Guillermo “El Felino” Jones (38-3-2, 30 KOs), from Colon, Panama, will take place on May 17 at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia.

Jones’ promoter Don King is thrilled to have his fighter appearing in Moscow with co-promoters Andrey Ryabinsky and Vlad Hrunov.

“My Russian co-promoters named the fight, ‘The One Will Stand,’ and it will be from Russia with love,” King said. “This is a gigantic promotion between Russia and Panama and I want to thank Andrey Ryabinsky for making this possible.

“The Panamanian people and their President Ricardo Martinelli will be watching with great interest to see Guillermo return home with a unified world title.”

Hrunov presented Lebedev’s two most recent matches in Crocus City Hall and looks forward to hosting the upcoming event there on May 17.

“Crocus City Hall is like the Madison Square Garden of Russia,” Hrunov said. “This is a first class venue that opened just three years ago. It’s beautiful and run professionally. It has 7,000 seats and we expect them all to be filled as demand has been strong since tickets went on sale in late February.”

Lebedev is thrilled to be defending his title in his native country and pointed out he comes from the city named after the writer Anton Chekhov.

“I come from Chekhov and strong people come from my city,” Lebedev said. “I’m glad Don, Andrey and Vlad have named the fight, ‘The One Will Stand,’ as I plan on being the last man standing at the end of the fight.”

Lebedev is trained by fellow Russian and former undisputed junior welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu.

Jones is anxious to get back into the ring and has predicted that he will dispatch Lebedev in five rounds or less.

“I tell the Russian fans who are ringside to be careful because there will be blood,” Jones said. “I am the tiger but I don’t speak Russian. No translator will be needed as my hands will speak for me.”