John McCallum faces Issa Akberbayev in 15th fight
Borders boxer John McCallum (12-2) heads back to the ring next month as he seeks a rematch against a Russian adversary.
'Johnboy' McCallum, previously of Galashiels and Melrose, is taking part in an eight-round bout on Saturday, August 7, at the York Hall in London’s Bethnal Green against Issa Akberbayev (20-2) of Kazakhstan.
He aims to climb the rankings again and get a win or two under his belt ahead of a second crack at Russian southpaw Evgeny Tishchenko, who he lost to in his last fight.
McCallum, 33, faced the Olympic gold medallist in Russia last November for the WBO European cruiserweight title and was unhappy when the referee stopped the bout in the second round. Tishchenko’s camp has granted him a rematch if he can ascend the rankings.
McCallum said, "I feel good now and I just want to be as active as possible."
His next opponent has also lost to Tishenko, in November 2019, when he retired after the sixth round, following a knockdown in the fifth.
The 37-year-old, known as 'Bumblebee', has been a champion since his sixth pro fight. During his 12-year career, he has accumulated five titles – WBC Asian Council Cruiserweight title (2011); 2x IBO International Cruiserweight Title (2011); GBC World Cruiserweight title (2015-2016); and the WBA Asia Cruiserweight title (2017).
He has fought all over the world, but will be fighting in the UK as a pro for the first time.
The event is promoted by Mo Prior and also features unbeaten super-lightweight from Surrey, Dan Morley (6-0), who battles a man with an identical record in Islington's Louis Isaac (6-0). Debutants Amy Andrew and Slavisa Gegic also appear.
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