On April 2, 2005, Former Russian and two-time European Light Middleweight Champion Roman "Made in Hell" Karmazin (32-1-1, 21 KOs), the top ranked IBF Light Middleweight title contender, will fight former two-time Middleweight Champion Keith Holmes (39-3, 25 KOs) in an IBF Title Elimination bout to determine the #1 mandatory challenger to IBF Light Middleweight Champion, Kassim Ouma.  The fight will be held at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts as an undercard bout on the Don King Productions super card that features two world tile matches - a unification showdown between WBC Cruiserweight Champion Wayne "Big Truck" Braithwaite and WBA Cruiserweight Champion Jean-Marc Mormeck and a WBA Welterweight Title fight between Champion Jose Antonio Rivera and WBA challenger Luis Callazo.

Karmazin was the infamous third party in the long drawn out negotiations for the Oscar De La Hoya - Fernando Vargas superfight. At the time, Karmazin was the WBC #1 ranked contender and was all set and ready to go for his shot at De La Hoya on December 8 2001 until the enigmatic multi-weight champ pulled out of the fight with an injured hand. This was a kick in the teeth for Karmazin, as De La Hoya had been on his radar for many a year.  "I wanted to fight him," Karmazin said. "I wanted De La Hoya in the ring. I came to Los Angeles without my entire team but was still ready to show the entire world that I had the weapons to beat him. My trainers, sparring partners, co-manager, masseuse, and cutman could not get visas to enter the United States following the September 11 terrorist attacks but I was still going to beat him. I was using Freddie Roach?s Wild Card Gym to prepare for the fight and I was ready to shock the world. All I wanted was a chance. And then he cancelled the fight. What can I say? I am a fighter, not a politician."

A new champion is now on Karmazin's radar as he is one victory away for a shot at IBF titleholder, Kassim Ouma. Karmazin, who cleaned up the entire European scene and disposed of all challenges to his desired and much loved European throne, decided to vacate his European Title to concentrate on world honors. He flew back to Los Angeles in 2004 to continue rebuilding his empire and signed a contract with legendary promoter, Don King. 

Standing at nearly 6 foot tall and boasting 21 knockout victories on his accomplished resume, many boxing fans and insiders around the world are watching the slick and powerful southpaw's progress with keen interest. He has made big noises at the European level and has proven time and time again just what a quality operator he is. The Russian fights under the battle slogan "Made in Hell," and the 21 opponents who have never heard the final bell against him know exactly what that means.

On April 2, 2005, Karmazin will look to show the world that he is a fighter to be reckoned with and that his time for a World Championship has finally come. When asked what he has to say to his future opponents, Karmazin exclaims, "I will fight you and never back down. And when you're done with me, you're going to feel like you've been to hell and back."  

STATS
Name: ROMAN "MADE IN HELL" KARMAZIN
Born: January 2, 1973
Birthplace: Kuztniesk, Russia
Hometown: St. Petersburg, Russia
Division: Light Middleweight (154 lbs.)
Record: 32-1-1 (21 KOs)

RANKINGS
IBF: 3
WBC: 13
WBA: 10
WBO: 13

Style: Unorthodox and awkward, yet very determined and crafty. Tough, strong, hard-hitting southpaw who comes from different angles.

Strengths: Ability, athleticism, conditioning, confidence, dedication, determination, experience, punching power, slick southpaw, skills, toughness, versatility.