Imam Khataev

Imam “The Destroyer” Khataev is a Russian light-heavyweight boxer and Olympic bronze medallist whose aggressive style and punching power have made him a prominent contender in the 175-pound division. Born in Russia on 31 August 1994, Khataev built an accomplished amateur career before representing the Russian Olympic Committee at the Tokyo Olympic Games. He won a bronze medal in the light-heavyweight tournament before moving into professional boxing. Khataev made his professional debut in November 2021 and quickly established a reputation as a powerful finisher. His early professional run included stoppage victories over Gi Sung Gwak, David Benitez and Fernando Galvan before he began facing increasingly established opposition. In January 2024, Khataev stopped Michal Ludwiczak in the second round to capture the vacant NABF light-heavyweight championship. He followed that performance by stopping experienced contender Ricards Bolotniks in six rounds and Ezequiel Maderna in seven. Khataev entered his July 2025 contest against David Morrell unbeaten at 10–0. Khataev dropped Morrell in the fifth round, but after ten competitive rounds, Morrell earned a split-decision victory, handing Khataev his first professional loss. Premier Boxing Champions records the result as a ten-round split decision for Morrell. Khataev responded to that defeat by stopping former world-title challenger Adam Deines in the third round in December 2025. He then returned on 4 June 2026 against Mickael Diallo in Montreal, scoring another first-round stoppage and improving his professional record to 12–1 with 11 stoppage victories. Khataev remains active in the world light-heavyweight picture and is scheduled to face Padraig McCrory in Quebec City on 8 October 2026. Because that contest has not happened yet, it won't be included in his Boxing Ring News fight record. Khataev's Boxing Ring News profile tracks his complete professional record, opponents, results and progress through the light-heavyweight division.