Artur Subkhankulov

Bio

Artur Subkhankulov is the unbeaten Russian lightweight who is now one purse bid away from a world title fight. He was a standout amateur before turning professional, and he arrives with a 12-0 record that includes six knockouts. If you know, you know that these quiet unbeaten contenders can be the most dangerous people in a division.

Let’s not beat around the bush: his best win came in April, when he stopped a rival in the 12th round after putting him down four times. That kind of finish in the championship rounds shows a fighter who is fit, strong and willing to go and get a stoppage late. It moved him to the top of the IBF rankings, and he is now ranked number three.

He and Andy Cruz have history. They met once as amateurs in 2019, in the semi-finals of the Usti nad Labem Grand Prix in Czechia, and Cruz won a split decision. Now they are lined up for the vacant IBF lightweight title, but the two sides could not agree terms, so the fight goes to purse bids on Tuesday 20 October.

Make no mistake, Subkhankulov has a proper chance of springing a surprise if the fight happens. He comes forward, he can punch and he will never take a backward step. But Cruz is levels above in skill, and I am picking the Cuban to outbox him. Either way, Subkhankulov has earned his place at the table.