Grachev, “Things needed to change”

By Andy Rivera

This past June, unbeaten heavyweight Leonid Grachev looked to get another win under his belt against veteran journeyman Chad Davis, but things didn’t go as planned, Grachev and Davis fought to a draw. Boxingnewmexico.com also scored the fight a draw between Grachev and Davis.

After the fight Grachev (5-0-1) spoke to me, giving his disappointment on his performance. He felt he had an off night and things just didn’t click. Changes needed to be made and were festering in his mind.

“I felt changes needed to be made in my training team and I was lucky to find Tom Yankello.“ stated Grachev.

Yankello trained former IBF lightweight champion Paul Spadafora, Spadafora sported a career mark of 49-1.

Grachev found himself connecting with Yankello, thus Grachev headed to Pennsylvania to work with Yankello for this training camp.

Yankello will be in Grachev‘s corner this coming Saturday when Grachev takes on Juan Carlos Puenta, 2-1. The fight will be part of the Noches De Campeones fight card, featuring in the main event Abraham Perez vs Luis Villa for the IBA Flyweight title.

In his bout with Davis, Grachev did see one positive come from his draw.

“I learned I wasn’t invincible and not to take opponents lightly. I know that no matter what a fighters record is, don’t overlook them.“

Ranked as high as #3 in the USA, when he was a top amateur. Baby Drago as he is known, having been born in Russia, moving to the United States when he was 8. Grachev took to the liking from Ivan Drago, the fictional opponent for Rocky Balboa in one of the most popular sequels in the Rocky franchise. Grachev now looks to get his winning ways on track with his work with Yankello.

”I am mentally and physically ready for this fight, working with Tom, we got back to the basics and the fans will see a new improved fighter.”

Tickets for Noche de Campeones can be bought by calling 505-382-5126.