Midweek Prospect Spotting Tucker, Vlasov and Husanov

Although thus weeks Prospect Scotting is about Demetrius Andrade there is several other names worth looking thus this secondary column for this week. Firstly, on the same card as Andrade v Robertson is a Russian 23 year old who's got some people talking and is taking on a solid if faded name. Maxim Vlasov (17-0 with 8KO's) faces Kingsley Ikeke (27-3 with 14KO's) who faced Arthur Abraham in an IBF Middleweight title fight in 2005. Vlasov won't be well known to most and his record looks like he lacks a punch but the 6 foot 3 Super Middleweight has scored 7KO's in his last 8 fights and seems to be growing into his power. Though against the tough Ikeke it won't be his power that's getting tested but his stamina heart and skill, of which only the skill has been shown so far.

Vlasov's record so far only features one recognisable name, Jonathan Reid (former WBA Middleweight contender) who was by then a faded force and having been a professional for 5 years this is a bit disappointing for Vlasov. Though he is regarded as a super prospect, one of many signed by Banner Promotions who seem to be getting themselves a nice stable of youngster. A victory over Ikeke would help Vlasov get his foot in the door and his names on the tongue of fight fans, though it's not a given that he will win. Ikeke is tough and the fight will be Vlasov's first 10 rounder, if the Russian fails to establish a pace that helps him Ikeke could well springing an upset.

The main event of the card in the Northern Quest Casino sees yet another unbeaten fighter that some are tipping in Uzbek fighter Sherzod Husanov (14-0-1 (7)) who faces Jhon Berrio (15-6 (11)). At 30 Husanov, a Light Middleweight will have to be fast tracked if he intends to make an impact, sadly though it's been over 3 years since he turned professional and he's been taking his time so far. Despite a deep amateur career Husanov failed to win the big ones though regularly medalled in world championships.

Maybe the most notable prospect for the weekend outside of Andrade is Mark “TNT” Tucker (13-0 with 7KO's), who fights on the undercard of the fight between Andre Ward and Allan Green (WBA Super Middleweight fight as well as part of the “Super 6”). 22 year old Tucker faces Billy Bailey (10-7 with 4KO's) in what should be an easy tests but one that comes on a high profile card. So far Tucker has been able to fight mainly at home in Maryland, hidden away from vast swathes of the boxing public. Although popular at “home” this should be a good day out for the 6 foot 1 Light Heavyweight prospect who many are tipping to be a star. Apparently a quiet man his website has the excellent motto “When in doubt knock 'em out”, although he failed to do so against Rubin Williams he did out point the former IBF Super Middleweight contender. Although his record features 7KO's his last 5 fights have gone the distance, and this one likely will as well.

So there you go the mid week “Prospects Scotting”