WBA World super lightweight champion Kiryl Relikh has become the first champion to enter the World Boxing Super Series super lightweight tournament.
Relikh, who captured the WBA title with a dominant twelve round unanimous decision victory over Cuban Rances Barthelemy in March, was confirmed as a participant on the World Boxing Super Series social media platforms last night.
The Belarusian, who was formerly trained by British boxing legend Ricky Hatton, is a high-volume, pressure fighter and will bring much-needed excitement to the latest edition of the revolutionary knockout-style tournament.
Boasting a record of 22 wins from 24 fights – with his only two losses coming in controversial circumstances against Ricky Burns and in a first bout with Barthelemy – Relikh will have high hopes of lifting the coveted Ali Trophy and claiming a share of the substantial prize pool.
Following former undisputed super lightweight king Terence Crawford’s decision to move up in weight, the 140lbs division presents an attractive proposition for the World Boxing Super Series.
With an array of young, hungry talents from around the glove all looking to establish themselves as the division’s number one fighter, the WBSS provides the perfect platform to crown a new ruler of the super lightweight division.
Further announcements on participants for the series are expected imminently, with WBC World champion Regis Prograis and contenders Ivan Baranchyk and Josh Taylor also rumoured entrants.