Egis Klimas has made an impression in the sport with his no nonsense management of former undisputed cruiserweight champion and current unified heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
Klimas – who has also worked with former light-heavyweight champ Sergey Kovalev and pound-for-pound star Vasily Lomachenko – is currently leading negotiations for Usyk to make history in an undisputed bout with Tyson Fury.
Michael Hunter has now announced that, moving forward, he will be working with Klimas – and there’s perhaps no better man to advise a former cruiserweight looking for heavyweight glory.
Once a sparring partner to Wladimir Klitschko, Hunter had a successful amateur career before turning pro in the 200lb ranks. He lost a world title attempt against Usyk in that division via unanimous decision.
Since moving up to heavyweight, his notable opponents include Martin Bakole and Alexandr Povetkin – the former a victory and latter a contentious draw.
Many fans feel that the American’s campaign needs kickstarted at this point, with his name often mentioned alongside top contenders but fights almost always failing to come to fruition.
Now, with Klimas by his side, ‘The Bounty’ Hunter says he feels the benefits already.
“Just signed with Egis Klimas as my advisor. Feeling stronger already.”
https://twitter.com/MichaelHunterII/status/1608493869494337538
One fan commented on the news positively, stating that Klimas gets his men ‘the big fights with zero politics played.’
Those in the boxing world will hope that’s the case, having not seen Hunter’s slick skills since a draw against Jerry Forrest in December of 2021.
The year out wasn’t his fault, though, with a scheduled bout against Hughie Fury twice falling through due to illness on the Brit’s part.
Hunter’s emergence at the top level will be a welcome addition to an already stacked division, and the hope should be to make some big and meaningful fights in 2023 whilst the belts are tied up between Klimas’ other man, Usyk, and Fury.