With the heavyweight class as wide-open as it’s ever been, Golden Boy Promotions has finally decided to step into the ring in boxing’s glamour division by signing a deal to co-promote the hottest contender in the sport – unbeaten Sultan Ibragimov.

This deal, which was brokered by Golden Boy Promotions’ international matchmaker, Sampson Lewkowicz, will see GBP co-promote Ibragimov with Hollywood, Florida’s Seminole Warriors Boxing and Golden Grain Promotions and work closely with Sultan’s longtime sponsor Nafta Moskva.

“This is an exciting day for us at Golden Boy Promotions,” said GBP President Oscar De La Hoya.  “Not only have we signed our first heavyweight, but we believe Sultan Ibragimov is the one fighter with the brightest future in the division.  He’s a true warrior and I’m glad to be part of his team.”

“Without question, Sultan Ibragimov is the next heavyweight champion of the world, and we’re happy to be partnered with a championship level promoter in Golden Boy that will put him in the major events that Sultan has been asking for,” said Leon Margules, Executive Director of Warriors Boxing.

The 31-year-old Ibragimov (19-0-1, 16 KOs) was a 2000 Olympic Silver medalist for Russia who currently makes his home in Florida.  A regional titlist who successfully defended his crown six times, Ibragimov owns wins over Lance Whitaker, Friday Ahunanya, and Zuri Lawrence, and he is coming off a stirring twelve-round draw with Ray Austin in one of the best fights of 2006.

 “I have been telling people for years about Sultan and letting them know that he will one day be a world champion,” said Ibragimov’s manager, Boris Grinberg.  “Now, that day is near, and we have the right fighter and the right team in place to make his dream come true. I am very pleased to have been able to execute this deal with Golden Boy Promotions and look forward to a long and successful partnership.”