By James Slater – Next up for unbeaten Russian heavyweight hope Magomed Abdusalamov will be never-stopped, Philly-born Maurice Byarm, 13-1-1(9), who will meet the powerhouse at The Hard Rock in Las Vegas on July 6th.
A southpaw like “Mago,” Byarm has been beaten only by another exciting and promising heavyweight up-and-comer in Bryant Jennings, who he lost a reasonably close ten-round decision to back in January. It will be very interesting to see if Abdusalamov can go one better than Jennings and become the first man to halt 29-year-old Byarm..
Abdusalamov has got the fans talking due to his raw power and aggressive manner. The southpaw may be crude yet his shovel-like mitts have thus far made that factor a non-issue. Against Byarm, a fighter who comes in at around the 245-pound mark, the approx 225-pound Abdusalamov will be giving away a fair amount of weight. Byarm will also be “Mago’s” best and most experienced opponent yet.
Big things are expected of Abdusalamov, and Sampson Boxing are expecting a world title shot from him and nothing less. Can the 14-0(14) attraction who has yet to be taken past the 4th-round deliver on his team‘s expectations? It sure will be fun finding out, no doubt about that.
Maybe Byarm, who can bang a little himself, will test Abdusalamov’s chin the way an overweight Pedro Rodriguez did before being blown out in the 2nd back in February. Maybe Byarm will extend Abdusalamov and test his stamina.
Whatever you think of Abdusalamov, you have to admit that his team are at least taking risks with regards to his match-making. Two unbeaten fighters were put in with him in his last two outings, and now Magomed goes in with a guy who has never been stopped. The way he’s going, and the way he’s being moved, Abdusalamov, and we fans, will find out pretty soon if he really can fight.
Abdusalamov’s fans are also encouraged by the fact that the big-hitter is staying as active as his team can get him fights. By this time next year, “Mago” could be up to around 20-0 and closing in on a title shot. If he can get past Byarm, that is – who has upset ideas.