May 15th

Although there are no fights in the Orient today there is a card with Asian interest in Russia. Whilst we don't typically list Russian cards (at the moment) this is a huge week for Russian boxing and with this in mind there is little wonder that the country are hosting at least 3 notable cards in the coming days.

This card, taking place at the Giant Hall, Casino Conti in Saint Petersburg sees at least 2 two bouts that we've decided to make notes of.

The first bout worth noting is that of German based Vitali Tajbert (23-2, 6) who faces Alexander Saltykov (8-27-3-1, 5). Although Tajbert is German he's originally from Kazakhstan (where he emigrated from in the early 1990's) giving him an Asian link.

As a former WBC Super Flyweight champion many fans will remember Tajbert for losing, in Japan, to Takahiro Ao back in 2010. Since that loss he scored 3 successive wins, and will be looking for win #4 as he takes on Saltykov.

The other bout on the card with an Asian interest is that of journeyman Ulugbek Buribaev (11-0, 10).  The Russian based Uzbek is thought to be returning to the ring after 4 years out, though as yet he hasn't got an opponent.

As a former amateur Buribaev (or Buribayev) competed  several times on the international stage in the early 00's though lacked the success that some expected from him. Aged 29 he may well be looking at making 1 major run at a title belt though we're not going to hold out breaths.