LOS ANGELES — With rising Irish fighter Callum Walsh, harnessing the promotional skills, coaching, and influence of individuals like Tom Loeffler, Freddie Roach, and Dana White is key to success.
It’s no surprise then that Loeffler, the founder of 360 Promotions in Hollywood, is adopting a similar approach with another up-and-coming boxer.
Enter Sadriddin Akhmedov, an unbeaten fighter who has impressed Gennadiy Golovkin and is being cross-promoted to MMA fans through 360 and their partnership with UFC Fight Pass.
While Walsh had the support of Irish MMA stars Conor McGregor and Ian Garry, Akhmedov is now being championed by Kazakh fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov, who faces Garry at UFC 310 in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Loeffler shared details about the UFC strategy and Akhmedov’s role during a media workout at the Wildcard Boxing Club in Los Angeles.
“With Sadriddin Akhmedov, there are many similarities to Gennadiy Golovkin,” Loeffler explained.
Akhmedov trained at the Churchill Boxing Club in Santa Monica, a place where Golovkin also frequented. After meeting with Loeffler in LA a few times, Akhmedov signed with 360 following some viral sparring sessions with Golovkin.
Excited about Akhmedov’s potential, Loeffler mentioned upcoming fights for him, including headlining a show on UFC Fight Pass on December 13.
Using the model that propelled Walsh to success, Loeffler aims to tap into the Kazakh MMA fanbase through Akhmedov and Rakhmonov, showcasing elite-level talent selectively, as he did with Golovkin.
After a December fight against Raphael Igbokwe, Akhmedov is set to feature on a St. Patrick’s Day card with Walsh in New York, with plans for even bigger bouts in the future.
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Alan Dawson is World Boxing News Lead Writer, with extensive experience in sports journalism. Follow Alan @AlanDawsonSport.
