'Mad Max' Dadashev on fast track to world title shot

He had close to 300 amateur fights, reportedly winning 281 of them. He won medals at the 2008 World Junior Championships, and the Russian Nationals, three times, beginning in 2010.

He turned pro three years ago, and has fought steadily since, winning all 13 fights with 11 knockouts. His steady climb up the ranks has one boxing scribe calling him the “new” Lomachenko.

“Mad Max” Dadashev, formerly of Russia, but now fighting out of Oxnard, CA, will meet undefeated slugger Subriel Matias July 19 at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD. The winner could be positioned for a shot at a world title in the near future.

Dadashev has been dreaming of a world title most of his life.

“Since I was nine years old, that’s when I first began boxing,” Dadashev told me on the phone recently.

Dadashev grew up following the boxing exploits of Roy Jones and Mike Tyson. It was tough for him when Jones tasted defeat.

“When Roy lost, it was terrible for me,” remembered Dadashev. “I was crying.”

Dadashev has trained in the United States where he feels there’s less stress than Russia.

“The people are so polite here,” said Dadashev. “They like to speak to me. Very kind," he said. “The weather here (Oxnard) by the ocean, I like it. It’s so comfortable.”

Last year, in only his 10^th professional fight, Dadashev faced former WBA lightweight champion Darleys Perez in Las Vegas, NV. Perez came into the fight sporting an impressive record of 33 wins in 38 contests. It was a matchup of the old pro and the young upstart. The bout was competitive in the early going, but eventually, Dadashev wore Perez down, winning by stoppage.

Next up was another former world champion. Antonio DeMarco was coming off a first-round knockout of unbeaten Eddie Ramirez. DeMarco might be on the back nine of his career, but he’s still a dangerous puncher.

Dadashev discovered that quickly in their fight, getting rattled a few times before closing strong to win the match by unanimous decision, and retaining his NABF title.

After the DeMarco fight, Dadashev started working with recent Hall of Fame inductee, and former world champion, Buddy McGirt.

“He’s (McGirt) a great coach,” Dadashev said. “He understands everything that I need. He teaches me every day. He has so much experience. He’s really helpful for me. I like him because he understands what I need to do.

“My old trainer was good, but not like Buddy," he said. "He didn’t give me much, like Buddy does. I think I’m getting better and better with Buddy,” added Dadashev.

Their collaboration got off to a rocky start last March when gatekeeper Ricky Sismundo scored a flash knockdown in round two.

“It was my first last time getting knocked down,” said Dadashev. “I was shocked. When I came in the ring, I felt sleepy. I wasn’t warmed up. I wasn’t focused.”

Dadashev calmly walked back to his corner and regrouped. He listened to McGirt’s advice, and proceeded to knock Sismundo out with a beautiful one-two in round four.

A little over two weeks out from the biggest fight of his career, Dadashev is pleased with his efforts in training camp. Stan Martyniouk who has trained with the likes of Manny Pacquiao, and Terence Crawford, came away impressed by Dadashev’s skill.

“Camp is going great,” said Martyniouk, a winner in 20 of his 22 fights. “He’s looking sharp and strong. He’s very smart in the ring with a unique style.”

July 19 can’t get here quick enough for Dadashev.

“I feel I’m ready for a title shot,” Dadashev said. “I’ve been fighting for almost twenty years. I’ve had around three hundred amateur fights, and thirteen professional fights. I’m ready now, but this moment I’m focused on my next opponent.”