Photo: Vincent Ethier – Imam Khataev (9-0, 9 KOs) had promised to “knock everyone out” upon joining EOTTM, and so far, he’s kept his word.
With his hard-hitting victory, in less than three rounds, against Yunior Menendez, Imam Khataev ended the year on a high note. I had no choice but to do the same by naming him prospect of the month for December.
There’s no perfect formula for building a boxer’s career. Even with meticulous planning and selecting the ideal opponents to develop an athlete, there will always be an element of risk in every fight.
I almost fell off my chair when my good friend Noé Cloutier told me that Russian boxer Imam Khataev, signed with EOTTM, was set to face Igor Mikhalkin. And I nearly choked on my meatloaf three days later when he called me back to say that the opponent would instead be Yunior Menendez, an undefeated Cuban ranked among the best. Let me remind you: we’re talking about Khataev’s 9th professional fight…
On the (Very) Fast Track
Originally, the expression “mettre les bouchées doubles” (to “double up”) from the 11th century referred to speeding up the pace at the table by taking bigger bites to keep up with fellow diners. Today, it’s used in any field where one must intensify efforts to achieve a goal or make up for lost time.
To me, it’s clear: Imam Khataev is EOTTM’s Boxer of the Year. In 2024, he defeated Michal Ludwiczak, Ricards Bolotniks, Ezequiel Maderna, and Yunior Menendez—all by knockout. He ends the year ranked 8th with the IBF, 7th with the WBC, and 20th on Boxrec, while also securing the NABF title.
I love when we identify Russian prodigies at 30 years old: there’s no need to put them through 4-round fights against clumsy opponents. Imam Khataev is already just 3 or 4 fights away from a shot at a world title.
“Imam dedicates his life to boxing. He’s every promoter’s dream: a guy who trains constantly and stays active,” highlighted Camille Estephan, president of Eye of the Tiger.
The Winning Team
Imam Khataev is trained by the legendary Anton Kadushin, often described as a genius of Russian boxing. He’s the man behind former lightweight king George Kambosos Jr. and was also Khataev’s coach for part of his amateur career. I’ll remind you that during that period, he defeated prestigious names like Vladimir Shishkin, Julio César La Cruz, and even Arlen Lopez—all that while reaching the Olympic podium.
His manager, Jim Kambosos of Ferocious Promotions and JKSM Agent, works with some of the top boxers in Oceania, which opens exciting international doors for Khataev.
Why am I telling you all this? Because I’m convinced that Imam Khataev will soon be filling arenas in Russia and Australia. The day is not far off when Noé Cloutier will need to buy a place near Cape Woolamai and learn to surf—not only on the waves but also in the rankings. With some members of Camille Estephan’s family already established in Australia, it’s likely that the “Tigers” will open a branch in the land of kangaroos.
The Future Artur Beterbiev?
EOTTM might just have Artur Beterbiev’s successor in the 175-pound division. Khataev has the power, the experience, a renowned trainer, and a solid management team. His recent opponent choices demonstrate the great confidence his promoters have in him.
One day, Artur Beterbiev will hang up his gloves and vacate his titles. And I have a pretty good idea of who’ll be ready to seize the opportunity.
