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 Middle in Plant Metropolis, Florida. The ten-round bout will stream stay 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 recreation Mickey Ellison earlier than the battle was stopped within the eighth spherical. The win over Ellison happened virtually 16 months after stopping Ernest Amuzu within the opening spherical.
“I used to be comfortable that I received the win (towards Ellison), however wasn’t actually proud of my efficiency,” Kalajdzic informed The Ring Sunday afternoon. “After the battle, I noticed I had COVID and that’s why I couldn’t carry out the way in which I needed to.”
Kalajdzic will face a fighter in Barrera who has not fought since dropping 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 will not be overlooking Barrera and is prepared for his greatest tonight.
“I consider Sullivan Barrera remains to be harmful,” mentioned Kalajdzic, who’s managed by Ryan Rickey. “He nonetheless has energy, and numerous expertise, and is coming to win.”
The 32-year-old has received his final 4 fights since dropping by knockout to unified world titleholder Artur Beterbiev in Could 2019. His different setback got here in April 2016, dropping 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 said he’s once more working with Beterbiev after the Barrera battle, as Beterbiev is getting ready for a showdown towards Bivol for the Ring Journal and undisputed gentle heavyweight championship.
Beterbiev and Bivol are presently rated No. 1 and a couple of, respectively, by The Ring.
“Sparring Artur Beterbiev was a extremely good expertise and helped me to remain calm and cope with stress higher,” mentioned Kalajdzic. “(It was) nice work general.
“I discovered that I can compete with high guys and belong on (this) stage.”
Kalajdzic might be a win or two away from once more difficult for a world title belt.
Apart from Beterbiev and Bivol, the division is huge 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 towards a high contender could be made for later this yr.
“I might fee myself someplace within the high 10. They’ve guys forward of me that I’m manner higher than (them). I haven’t been actually lively so I didn’t have an opportunity to show it, however I’ll this yr, beginning with Sullivan Barrera.
“I simply wish to showcase my expertise and look actually good doing it, and hope folks benefit from the battle and wish to see extra.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has lined boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He could be reached at [email protected]
Comply with @FSalazarBoxing
