Undefeated heavyweight bomber Apti Davtaev will return to the ring in an 10-rounder on Wednesday, September 5 in Grozny, Russia. 6’6 Davtaev (15-0-1, 14 KOs) will face 6’9 Moscow-based veteran Evgeny “Molecule from Hell” Orlov on a card that features his Salita Promotions stablemates Umar Salamov fighting for the WBO International Light Heavyweight Championship, and super middleweight Aslambek Idigov.

Davtaev (from the Chechen Republic of Kurchaloi) continues working with his US trainers, Kronk Gym’s Javan SugarHill Steward and co-trainer Rick Phillips, and says he’s enjoying his evolution to an American style of fighting.

“I had a great camp at Kronk Gym in Detroit, a place that produced so many great champions. My opponent is an experienced fighter and a big man. I look forward to fulfilling the legacy of the great fighters that trained in Detroit and, with this victory, will continue to climb towards the heavyweight title.”

A fearsome puncher, Davtaev was last seen demolishing Kentucky’s Cory Phelps in two quick rounds.

“At 6’ 6” and 250 lbs., Apti has the size, strength and skills to be a real threat in the heavyweight division,” said his promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “On September 5, he is going to take another step towards his goal of becoming heavyweight champion.”