Nikitin successful in his pro debut, aimed at Conlan rematch

Russian featherweight Vladimir Nikitin on the last weekend successfully debuted at the Top Rank boxing event in Kissimmee, Florida. Nikitin scored a unanimous decision over Edward Kakembo (10-5, 3 KOs) from Uganda, sending him twice to the floor.

The Irishman Michael Conlan, over whom Nikitin had a controversial win two years ago at the Olympics in Rio, congratulated the Russian, saying that they would soon meet.

"Yes, and this time we will not need the judges. I want a fight against Conlan. This is my career plan. For this I signed a contract with Top Rank," said Nikitin.

According to Carl Moretti of Top Rank, this rematch could have taken place " a year or so from now."