Potapov positioning for Bantamweight title opportunity

With the recent vacancy of of the IBF Bantamweight title, the Bantamweight division could be wide open for a new star.  Enter 25 year-old Nikolay Potapov.

Potapov of Podolsk, Russia just recently made his American debut with a 10-round unanimous decision over Pedro Melo on October 29th in Brooklyn, recently signed with rising promoter Salita Promotions.

The win over Melo comes on the heels of an impressive 12-round unanimous decision over IBF number-nine ranked Jason Canoy of the Philippines.

Previous to that fight, Potapov won an impressive decision over tough Mexican Martin Casillas.  With those victories, Potapov is ranked number-eight at Bantamweight.

“Nikolay is a guy that people in the states will get to know quick,” said promoter Dmitry Salita.

“After Caballero missed the weight, the division opened up in the here in the United States.  Nikolay will have the platform here in America and in New York to raise his profile.  He has already shown that he can compete with the best in the world and now he just needs the opportunity and we would love a fight with Lee Haskins.  If we have to go to the United Kingdom, we are ready.”