North Carolina Boxer to Fight on ESPN this Friday for IBF World Title

Former Russian boxing champion Evgeny Gradovich now makes his home in Arapahoe, North Carolina. He is undefeated with a record of 15-0 after beginning his professional career in the U.S. in 2010. Two of his early fights were held in Charlotte. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) currently has Evgeny Gradovich ranked at #11 in the world.

Gradovich was called on short notice to take on IBF World Featherweight Champion from Sydney, Australia, Billy Dib (35-1) after Dib’s previously scheduled opponent pulled out of their title fight this coming Friday, March 1st at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut, a bout to be televised as the main event on ESPN Friday Night Fights. Dib will be defending his title for the third time.

The town of Arapahoe has a population of about 450 residents and covers a total area of 2.2 square miles near the state's Atlantic Ocean coastline. Arapahoe is located approximately 301 miles from Charlotte or 134 miles from Raleigh.

Here's a great bio/story on Evgeny Gradovich published in The Ring: CLICK HERE

P. Rivera
Twitter: @GAR1680

Update/Correction (Saturday, 3/2/2013): Although BoxRec.com has Evgeny Gradovich registered as residing in Arapahoe, North Carolina and multiple news sources (including ESPN.com) reporting a preview of the Billy Dib vs. Evgeny Gradovich title fight on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights last night mentioned Gradovich as residing in this state, he was introduced in the ring as “now” fighting out of Oxnard, California.

Billy Dib vs. Evgeny Gradovich Press Conference