Silver Spring, MD cruiserweight contender Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson faces his toughest opponent to date when he takes on undefeated Vadim Tokarev on August 18 in Tokarev's hometown of Kazan, Russia.
Tokarev (19-0-1, 13 KO's) is ranked ninth in the world by the IBF and 14th by the WBA. Tokarev has held the IBF Inter-Continental title recently, but his last bout, a 10-round unanimous decision over Michael Simms back in May, was not for the title. Wilson (18-1-3, 15 KO's) is currently unranked by the major governing bodies but is ranked fifth at light heavyweight by the USBA.
Prior to receiving information about this bout (thank you, Skinnyscott), Wilson told me about a possibility of fighting a title match against IBF champion O'Neil Bell. Maybe a win against Tokarev would move him closer to that goal. I wish him well.
gary, i have seen the ding-a-ling man fight a few times and he looks very strong. i just wonder why has it taken him so long to step up his opposition?? who is he being managed by??? if you look at the cruiserweight division, there isn't that much talent there.. also, will his fight with the russian be televised???
ReplyDeleteRight now, Wilson manages himself. He has been trained by Charles Mooney. Wilson has had some televised fights (apart from the Ballroom Boxing shows). He was on Showtime, fought well and got a draw. He was on ESPN, fought terribly and got a draw.
ReplyDeleteWilson started as a light heavy and just recently moved up to cruiser. I'm not sure he's big enough for that class. As far as I know, the bout will not be televised.