Koba “The Cobra” Gogoladze, 20-1 with 8 knockouts, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has signed a managerial contract with Harry Kazandjian and Robert Silverberg of California. Kazandjian is the former manager of contenders Hector Lopez and Art Simonyan.

 

Promoted by Banner Promotions, Koba was a 1996 Olympic representative for his native Republic of Georgia and is the current NABO jr. lightweight champion. He is ranked No. 3 in the world by the WBO.

 

Promoter Art Pelullo said today, “We’re very excited to be working with Harry and Robert as the managers of Koba. Harry and I have been friends and business associates for 25 years. We have been working very hard to get Koba a shot at the world title in the near future, and we’re confident that he can win it.”

 

Koba, a talented lefthander, has fought good opposition as a pro and has several impressive wins to his credit. He has beaten former contender Lamar Murphy (W10), as well as prospects Tyrone Harris (W10), Antonio Davis (W12), Juan Garza (TKO2), and previously undefeated Carl Johanneson (W8).

 

Koba’s only loss came against fellow-contender Kid Diamond in March, 2005. Koba tore a tendon in his hand and could not continue after the sixth round. He had corrective surgery soon after the fight, and has won three fights in a row since then.