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A shot at World Cruiserweight Champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk will be on the line later this year when highly regarded unbeatens Vadim Tokarev (23-0-1, 16 KOs) and Marco Huck (18-0, 14 KOs) will meet in a 12 round elimination bout recently ordered by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).Ekaterinburg, Russia’s Tokarev is currently ranked third in the world by the IBF; Huck, a native of Yugoslavia now making his home in Berlin, Germany, is ranked fourthThe IBF has given both parties until February 16th to come to terms for what is destined to be an unforgettable battle.
“I’m pleased that the IBF has ordered this elimination bout and we’re excited at the prospect of promoting it here at the Seminole Hard Rock Live Arena in Florida or in Vadim’s home country of Russia,” said Leon Margules, Executive Director of Seminole Warriors Boxing, Tokarev’s promoter. “Either w! ay, Vadim will be the crowd favorite, as he is not only a hero in Russia, but he has built a huge following of fans in Florida after his four round blowout over Felix Cora last May. He is the rare fighter that can appeal to all fight fans, whether here or abroad.”
Tokarev has built that fan following with his no-nonsense style and willingness to take on all comers. Winner of his last three fights by knockout, Tokarev holds victories over world class fighters such as former World Champion Arthur Williams, Cora, Michael Simms, Darnell Wilson, and most recently he defended his NABF Cruiserweight crown with a second round knockout of Shane Swartz last November.
Huck, a former kickboxing champion and the current European Boxing Union cruiserweight titlist, has compiled an impressive record of 18-0 but may be best remembered for his bizarre title-winning effort last December against Pietro Aurino, who left the ring in disgust after losing two! points for a deliberate headbutt of Huck. Huck’s respon! se was t o kick Aurino in the knee.Tokarev’s manager has a warning for “The Captain’.
“I hope Marco Huck and his promoters realize that both fighters have agreed to participate in the IBF elimination fight, but not for the kickboxing match which I saw in his fight against Aurino,” said Edward Goumachian. “If the referee won’t be able to control the fight, Tokarev will take justice into his own hands. Vadim is a tough kid and he grew up in the streets of the one of the toughest Russian cities, Kazan. He won’t back down from anybody.”
