Kazakh step up for Gary Cully – WBO Euro title fight for the ‘Diva’
Gary Cully [11(5)-0] will fight for the vacant WBO European lightweight ranking title in his next clash.
The Nass favourite has been handed the chance to secure a world ranking with the WBO and take the scalp of Kazakh Viktor Kotochigov []12(5)-1(0)] on Friday 19 Febraury.
Cully and Kotochigov will meet on the undercard of the British lightweight title fight between Liam Walsh and Belfast’s Paul Hyland Jnr, a fighter Cully has called out, which will be broadcast in the US on ESPN+.
Popular prospect Cully was last in action in August, when he defeated Craig Woodruff in his first clash since stopping Joe Fitzpatrick within a round to claim the Irish title.
There were suggestions the Pete Taylor trained southpaw was close to agreeing a fight with Moldovan Dub Victor Rabei, but has moved away from high profile domestic dust up in favour of ladder climbing clashes.
Former WBC International champion Kotochigov comes into the clash on the back of his first career defeat. The 27-year-old will be looking to bounce back following his surprise points defeat to Jono Carroll defeater Maxi Hughes in October.
Promoter Lee Eaton added: “We’re thrilled to add this fantastic fight between Gary Cully and Viktor Kotochigov for the vacant WBO European lightweight title. Both men are determined to win and it’s an extremely interesting contest.
“It’s the latest big fight to be added to the bill following the British lightweight title showdown between Liam Walsh and Paul Hyland Jnr, so it looks set to be yet another must-see event.”
