Russian super middleweight Petr “The Surgeon” Khamukov (13-0, 6 KOs) will headline “LA Friday Night Fights” against David “Dynamite” Stevens (14-2, 10 KOs) this week in Long Beach, California. Khamukov faces Stevens, who was a standout amateur boxer out of Pennsylvania, in a ten rounder that will be streamed live this Friday on DAZN from Thunder Studios. A promotional free agent who now resides in Woodland Hills (CA), Khamukov had 350 amateur matches, represented Russia in the 2016 Olympics, and he was the only Russian to qualify for the same Olympics in two weights classes (middleweight and light heavyweight). He captured gold medals at the 2015 European Championships and 2016 Russian National Championships.
Khamukov, age 33, is excited to be fighting again, never mind headlining, because he has had a difficult time securing fights prior to signing a managerial contract with 3 Point Management (3 PM). Khamukov’s last fight was 13 months ago, when he knocked out Esau Herrera de la Cruz (21-16-1) in the third round. “It was a real challenge, both physically and mentally,” Khamukov spoke about his absence from the ring. “As they say, the darkest night is followed by the brightest dawn. That time away helped me reset, reflect, and come back even stronger. Sometimes those moments are necessary to build true resilience. You have to ask fighters why they have avoided me. I’ve always been ready to fight but they weren’t. Maybe the risk just didn’t justify the reward? Fear of losing can be a powerful force. Let them run, I’m not chasing anyone. I’m focused on my own path.
“It’s a huge honor and a big responsibility to be headlining this Friday night in Long Beach. A main event, worthy opponent, and a team that’s worked incredibly hard to get us here. Now it’s time to do what I do best: step into the ring and prove myself. Fighting on DAZN is a launchpad to a whole new level. Millions of eyes, a bigger stage and new doors that could open for me after a strong performance. One thing will stay the same: moving forward with dignity and respect for the sport, my opponent and myself.”
In his most recent fight last November in Las Vegas, the 24-year-old Stevens lost a twelve-round split decision to Bektemir Melikuziev (14-1, 10 KOs). Stevens’ most impressive performance to date was an eight-round stoppage of then 14-0 Sean Hemphill in 2023.
“My opponent is a strong, experienced fighter, no doubt about it,” Khamukov said. “I respect that, but I didn’t just start boxing yesterday, either. I’ve prepared thoroughly – physically, mentally, tactically. The rest will be shown in the ring. I don’t talk much, I do, and that’s what professionalism is about.
“The biggest change in training camp has been volume. We’ve increased endurance work and focused on managing pace and energy. At my core, I’m still the same…. aggressive, technical, and hungry for victory.
