Russia’s Denis Lebedev is slated to return November 4th as part of a stacked event at Basket-Hall Arena in Kazan, Russia, where he will be defending his WBA World cruiserweight title against undefeated Nigerian Lateef Kayode who is ranked #3 by the WBA.

Former NABA champion, Kayode (21-0, 16 KOs) is looking to fight on a level playing field since he has fought opponents who tested positive for PEDs in the two biggest bouts of his career. The first came against Antonio Tarver for a minor cruiserweight title in 2012 where the result was turned to a no contest. Last year he fought for the interim WBA World heavyweight title and was knocked out in the first round by Luis Ortiz, who failed the post-fight drug test and was stripped of the belt.

Lebedev has been a busy champion, racking up five successful title defenses in his six title fights. His only loss in that span came against Guillermo Jones in a brutal battle which ended in a controversial 11th round stoppage. After the bout, Jones tested positive for PEDs and was stripped of the title and returned to Lebedev.

The 36-year-old Lebedev first won the crown in 2011 when he won a unanimous decision against faded James Toney. In his prior fight he brutally knocked out living legend Roy Jones Jr. to earn the title shot. His most recent defense saw Lebedev take the former interim champion Youri Kalenga to school via a UD win in April of this year.

On November 4th, both fighters are looking to make a statement. Whoever wins might possibly get it on with interim WBA World titlist Beibut Shumenov in the not too distant future.

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.