Dariial Kuchmenov is ready to show his new promoter he is indeed a fighter to keep an eye on. The California-based Russian returns to the ring on June 7 in Philadelphia. He is set to show everyone that he is looking to take on all comers and stay busy this year.
Kuchmenov recorded 2 wins in his debut year of 2021 and was 7-0 by the spring of 2023. But after that, manager Steve Feder had trouble getting fighters to commit to the high-risk option of fighting Kuchmenov. It was a frustrating time for Team Kuchmenov, but they are fired up about their new promoter and the new opportunities it presents.
His Philadelphia debut is no soft touch as rugged Mexican, Diuhi Olguin, will be fighting for the 10th time in the last 12 months. Kuchmenov will be stepping through the ropes for the first time in 13 months.
A tall 130-pounder (5’ 10”) Kuchmenov has shown both strong boxing skills and the ability to drop bombs, as 6 KO’s in 8 wins will attest.
All he needs is the opportunity. The training team around Kuchmenov feels he will be able to make some serious strides towards bigger fights.
Trained out of the Wild Card Boxing Club by former pro fighters Pepe Reilly and Ernie Zavala, along with conditioning coach Pedro Garcia, Team Kuchmenov is excited for his 2025 debut with Swift Promotions.
Manager Feder’s signing of Kuchmenov with Philadelphia’s “Swift Promotions” has the Los Angeles-based manger excited that they have found the right stage for him.
After the signing, Feder said, “We’re looking forward to a great 2025 with ‘The Wolf’, and ‘Swift Promotions’, Danny Garcia’s promotional company”, he said. “We are looking forward to a great collaboration with Team Swift”.
MaxBoxing caught up with Feder from his Los Angeles-based home to get his thoughts on his fighter’s upcoming bout.
“He is in great shape and is excited to get back into the ring”, said Feder. “What a great city to make his return in; Philadelphia is such a great fight town”.
Asked about his new promotional deal, Feder knows they have the right fit and is looking forward to showing off Dariial in Philly.
“You know, having a former fighter running a promotional firm can give a different, and great, perspective. As a former fighter, Danny sees the potential in fighters, he recognizes their strengths and can see what they are capable of doing”, he said. “Swift Promotions took a look at Dariial and knew they wanted him”, continued Feder. “Swift has been great to work with; Danny, Mike Farrell, the whole team. We are excited to show them what Dariial can do and we see big things for him in the future”, he said.
Another nice part of this fight is that Kuchmenov will be contesting for a belt.
“He is gonna be fighting for the NBA (National Boxing Association) belt in this fight”, said Feder. “There are some good fighters who have been competing for this belt, and let’s be honest – belts matter. It helps you in the rankings and it is a step”, he said. “Anytime you can grab a strap in boxing, that is a good thing”.
The ultimate goal?
“We want to see Dariial competing for a world title in the future”, said Feder. “The pieces are in place. We have a great new promoter; we have a great and hungry fighter. He is exciting, big, and strong, and he is fan-friendly”, he said. “This fight is at 130, but I see Dariial ending up at welterweight one day. He is a big, strong guy”, said Feder.
Feder, who has worked with numerous world champions, is excited about the future opportunities for a fighter he and his team believe in.
“Anybody in and around 130, we’re coming”, he said. “It all kicks off Saturday in Philadelphia, and we couldn’t be more excited to show the boxing world, and the fans, what he can do”.
