Silver Bow has signed 18 year-old Ukrainian amateur standout Valeriy Zagrafov to a multi-year promotional agreement. Zagrafov recently escaped the war-torn Crimean peninsula in order to find a safe home in the birthplace of boxing, Athens, Greece. Before he left Crimea, Zagrafov won gold medals at 56 kg (123 pounds) in several tournaments in Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria and now in Greece. "It is my job and my hobby. It's what I love to do. All I do is train and fight," said Zagrafov.

 

"There really is something special about Valeriy. I feel he will do major things in the sport," said Bill Halkias of Silver Bow.

 

"It is with great honor and joy that our athlete Valerios is about to commence his journey in the world of professional boxing. After a great amateur career, Valerios will take on the professional rankings with great ambition and aspirations to become a top contender in his division. As a manager, I am very proud and honored for him and for the agreement with the prestigious promotion of Bill Halkias," stated Giannis Moustakas, Zagrafov's manager.

 

Said trainer Nikos Gidakos,"after nine years of hard work, patience and dedication, we are delighted to have one of our best athletes Valerios Zagrafov on his way to the US, the Mecca of boxing and sports! Valerios is a virtuoso of the sport, with great fighting spirit and great character! I am extremely enthusiastic, and it means the world to me that Valerios will be given the chance to showcase his boxing ability on the world boxing stage. I am also honored, and I’d like to warmly thank Bill Halkias for his contribution to the agreement, and we are looking forward to our cooperation! It is a great feeling as a coach to see our athlete achieving his goals and fulfilling his dreams and we will be beside him always!"

 

Zagrafov plans to come to the USA this summer for sparring and to discuss his pro debut on Silver Bow's ChampBox Boxing Series.