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Home » New Matchroom signing dropped a referee with a sweet left hand

New Matchroom signing dropped a referee with a sweet left hand

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  • 2 min read

Former Team USA middleweight Nikita Ababiy is all set to make his pro debut under the Matchroom Boxing banner on October 6 in the United States.

In 2015, Ababiy went viral on social media for dropping the referee in an amateur bout with a slightly embarrassing but sweet left hand.

Matchroom shared the clip this week as interest spikes in Ababiy following his deal to star on DAZN, and the prospect cannot wait to get going in Chicago.

Nikita Ababiy

The 19-year-old Brooklyn talent known as ‘White Chocolate’ will join fellow former Team USA debutant Nkosi Solomon in taking his first steps in the professional game on the bill topped by Jessie Vargas’ clash with Thomas Dulorme.

“I’m so excited. This is what I’ve been training for my whole life, and it’s time to show the world who ‘White Chocolate’ is,” said Ababiy.

“I’ve never been to Chicago, so I’m looking forward to debuting in a new city. It just adds to the whole occasion for me.

“I know I will be really active with Eddie Hearn and DAZN. We’re considering trying to fight ten times in the first year, which would be great.

“The first couple of fights are looking to get experience. When I start facing stronger fighters, we may go down the weights. I could make Super-Welterweight and maybe even 147lbs. Who knows? I want to do it all. Winning World titles at multiple weights is the dream.

“I’ll fight anybody. Whoever wants to fight, let’s fight. I want to take over. I want to win in every division and be a pound-for-pound star.

“People will never forget that Nikita Ababiy was one of the first guys to sign with Eddie Hearn and DAZN in the States. I am my biggest challenge. But I know what I have to do. I cannot back down. That’s what makes me different.

“White Chocolate came about because when I was in the gym training and sparring, I was pretty flashy, and they were saying, ‘he’s white, with a lot of rhythms, let’s call him white chocolate,’ and ever since then, that’s what it’s been ever since!

“I know my style is awkward; I don’t like being predictable. I train like I am preparing to fight the best in the world. That’s how I train. If I’m coming, I’m ready – that’s all.”