Chukhadzhian: On Scarff, Usyk vs. Fury, and a Rematch with Ennis

Last year, Ukrainian welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian (23-2, 13 KOs) debuted in the U.S., facing local emerging star Jaron Ennis (31-0, 28 KOs) for the «interim» IBF champion title. The fight ended in a points victory for Ennis by knockout, which was entirely unexpected—as since 2017, Jaron had not let any opponent last till the final bell.

On May 17 in Hamburg, Germany, Chukhadzhian will compete against England's Harry Scarff (13-2, 3 KOs) in an IBF qualifier. Winning would allow Karen to vie for the championship belt and earn a rematch with Ennis.

Read all about this in an exclusive interview with Ready To Fight.

- It's rare for a winning promoter to lose the right to organize a fight. What happened with Kalle Sauerland (Wasserman)? Why did he lose interest in the eliminator fight between you and Scarff?

- My manager (Max Michailew, as noted by Ready To Fight) can provide detailed information. Briefly, they were supposed to set the fight date no later than May 15, but instead, they scheduled it for the second half of June. Our side insisted on adhering to the regulations. We agreed to host the fight in Germany, coinciding with the BDB congress (on May 17, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the BDB - the Association of German Boxing Professionals, as noted by Ready To Fight).

That's just it.

- I'm unsure how to react to the fight being scheduled in Germany. On one hand, it's almost like fighting on your home ground. And in Britain, you often need to be significantly better than the local athlete to win. On the other hand, winning in Britain could open up a new market. It could introduce you to new fans who love and understand boxing. Is moving the fight to Germany more beneficial or a drawback for you?

- Actually, there wasn't a big difference between boxing in Britain or Germany. You're correct in suggesting that fighting in Britain might have brought more exposure.

We are confident in our victory, regardless of the location. On the other hand, we have boxed many times in Germany before. It might be more convenient for us.

For a fight in Britain, we would have had to sort out visa issues, which means we'd have had to leave earlier. All those Visa issues. Let's just say it's a bit more hassle.

But in Germany, everything is simpler: you arrive, check-in, and box.

- Is it true that P2M Box Promotion, the German company organizing this fight, isn't officially your promoter?

- No, we operate based on a relationship of trust.

- Is that thanks to your manager?

- Yes. I don't make unreasonable demands. There's no intention of maximizing benefits only to sever ties later. I'm with them in good conscience, honestly. They've also been a big help to us. That's why I want to express my gratitude.

A contract is important, but our relationship with them is based on good faith.

- If you are not technically under contract with them, will they make your fight the main event of the evening?

- Whether this fight will be the main event of the evening, I don't yet know. There's a rising star in the company, Simon Zachenhuber, who appeared on the German version of «Dancing with the Stars.» We've previously crossed paths since he was also signed with Fächer Sport Management, just like me.

His fight might take the headline spot, mainly because he is the IBF European champion and draws a large crowd. So, to ensure the arena is filled, they might place him as the main event. However, there's also a chance that my fight could be featured as the main event. To be honest, I haven't received confirmation yet.

Sometimes, I contact the manager about broadcasting the fight. I try to ensure it can be viewed on platforms that reach a broader audience. It's quite a significant stage, and I'd prefer fans to watch it on YouTube or TV, not just on Instagram.

- We don't yet know if there will be a broadcast.

- It might be on YouTube or... Let me put it this way: when I have exact information, I'll share it with you. Right now, I don't know.

- I know you have your cameraman who manages to stay perfectly composed on Instagram but is very emotional in her commentary—your wife. That's actually how I watched your last fight. I loved it; it was incredibly emotional.

- (smiles) Thank you very much.

- Do you ever feel like May might be a challenging month for your fight? After all, your match with Scarff might fly under the radar—it won't be able to compete with the likes of Usyk, Lomachenko, and Berinchyk's fights.

- Well, if the fight isn't shown... (laughs) If it's not broadcasted, then we don't have to worry about it. And besides, I'll be able to box and then watch the other fights in peace—eat, drink, and not worry about anything. I think it's actually better. It's a packed month for Ukrainian boxing, and I'm glad to be part of it. Especially since my fight is just a day before Berinchyk and Usyk, I'll box on the 17th, and then Usyk fights at night and Berinchyk in the morning on the 18th. I'm sure any boxing enthusiast will want to catch all the action.

- I agree. Boxing fans are used to sleepless nights. Unfortunately, many people might not even be aware of your fight with Scarff, especially since a championship title is on the line. Have you considered stirring things up a bit? Maybe a little trash talk? Or perhaps some short videos aimed at your opponent, like the ones between Oleksandr Usyk and Dereck Chisora?

- That's not really my style. A bit of trash talk? I don't know. It's not my thing.

- What if your opponent provoked you with trash talk? Let's say you were boxing Ivan Redkach. Would you respond, or would you prefer to answer him directly in the ring with your fists?

I don't know. If that happens, then I will be able to respond. Otherwise, talking about hypotheticals isn't something I'm keen on. What would I do if Redkach started trash-talking? Of all the Ukrainian boxers, Redkach is the worst one to get into an online «fight» with. He doesn't hold back there (smiles).

- Absolutely. He's unbeatable on the internet. Okay, let's leave Ivan alone. Let's talk about Scarff. I first saw him in action last November when he upset compatriot Ekow Essuman. Personally, I was stunned by that win. I can't recall the last time I saw that kind of performance, where a fighter starts off losing with seemingly no options but then persistently begins to adapt, imposing his game on his opponent. He seemed to try everything. He boxed up close, he boxed from a distance, engaged in infighting and long-range fighting, clean boxing, and rough boxing, and even switched stances. I thought preparing for such an unpredictable «beast» would require at least a dozen sparring partners with entirely different styles. But where do you find them in Kyiv, especially under war conditions? How are you handling this issue? I know the Korenevs are helping. Who else is there, or is it just them?

- So far, only Korenev (Kostik) is helping. Another sparring partner is Artem Lim. And there's another from amateur boxing. They are all versatile, switching every two rounds. They all box very differently. This ensures I'm ready to switch up the tactical pattern of the fight. With one, I need to box a little more aggressively; with the second, it's better to work in a counterattacking style; and with the third, it's something else entirely. We are taking this very seriously. Tactically, we will be well-prepared. My coach (Vyacheslav Senchenko, as noted by Ready To Fight) reviews Scarff's fights daily: he studies them, picks up on new things, writes them down, and then we work through all these points.

- Do you plan to take the initiative in the fight or react to your opponent?

We train so that we're ready for any situation. It will be comfortable for us to lead or counter. That means we are preparing for the combinations that we will lead, as well as those that will require us to react to our opponent.

- The fight between Chukhadzhian and Scarff is like Usyk vs. Fury, but at 66 kg. And not just because it's Ukrainian against British. Not only because the opponent has a significant advantage in size. Stylistically, it could be similar—a «classic» boxer against a very unconventional and unpredictable opponent. How do you think Usyk will fight? Will he take the initiative? Will he try to outpace his opponent?

- It seems that Usyk needs to do everything he's been doing all his life. The main thing is not to let Fury play to his strengths. I think Fury will bring all his «dirty tricks» into the clinch, and Usyk needs to stay as far away from that as possible. If the fight goes the distance, Fury won't be able to outbox Usyk, even with his size. He won't beat him purely on classical boxing skills. Usyk will keep moving. He'll be faster and more precise with his technique and speed. Tyson will have to find something to slow Usyk down.

- What exactly does he need to do?

- For instance, he could try to keep the fight in the clinch to wear Usyk down and throw in a bit of «rough play», like using his weight more or getting in some hits on the back. Basically, fight on the edge of a foul. I think he has some tactics he'll use. We'll see. But if they stick to just boxing, I think Usyk will easily outmaneuver Fury due to his superior technique.

- It seems a lot will depend on the referee...

- Exactly. It depends on how much the referee will tolerate the «dirty tricks». If the referee lets the fight go on, that isn't good for Usyk. If the ref is strict about clean boxing, that's not good for Fury. Let's see which promoter can influence the referee selection more.

- The WBC has proposed increasing the number of referees to six. Now, we're going to introduce our revolutionary solution—two referees.

- Yeah. One will focus on one fighter and the other on the second fighter.

- And then you don't have to worry. That way, everything will be fair.

Karen, I noticed you were involved in two projects with Usyk last summer. The first was with his charitable foundation, and the second was with the Ready To Fight online platform. Can you briefly tell us about your role in these projects?

- Starting with the charitable foundation, the essence of the project was this: several athletes, including myself, auctioned off our gear for charity. The proceeds went to assist displaced people. Ready To Fight is an online platform for finding sparring partners, coaches, and managers. It's basically like an ecosystem. The app itself is somewhat similar to Instagram, where you can post photos, videos, and more. In this project, I act as an athlete and ambassador alongside several others, such as Dmitry Mitrofanov, Daniel Lapin, Kira Makogonenko, and Fiodor Czerkaszyn. We help promote the platform. I really appreciate the idea because it's often difficult to find a sparring partner or a coach, especially for those moving from amateurs to the professional ranks or those who are looking to step up their game. In short, it's a fantastic initiative.

- It's even surprising that such a platform didn't exist before.

- Yeah, it's just that everything you need is on your phones nowadays. This kind of digitalization is why now is the perfect time for such an app.

- Do you know Usyk personally? What is he like in everyday life?

- My manager interacts with Oleksandr more often. They frequently see each other. We've often been in the same places but never really connected. I don't know him personally.

- Then I'll ask about another potential superstar, Jaron Ennis. I know you didn't have a full training camp for last year's fight. Unfortunately, most boxing fans and media members don't know that...

- Regarding the training conditions... I don't want to make any excuses for myself, especially since we agreed to the fight. And if we agreed, what more is there to say? For a spectator who comes to watch boxing and pays for it, it's not their problem that someone didn't have the conditions to prepare properly. Preparation is just that—preparation. I know I can box better, and I will do everything to secure a rematch and perform better. I don't want to find excuses; I lost on a technicality.

- Let's imagine you have everything for the rematch: a full camp, quality sparring partners, a clear understanding of what you'll face in the ring. What would you bring to the rematch that Ennis didn't see in the first fight?

- Punches (laughs).

- Do you mean you should have been more aggressive?

- Yes, I should have been more active in my attacks. I couldn't find my jab in the fight nor the keys to launch effective attacks. He's very fast. Not only is he a counterpuncher, but he also counterattacks your counterattack, and that was a problem. He's earning his advancements. He's a really tough boxer, but I think I can box better against him. And I'll prove it when I get the chance.

- Jaron is considered a fighter with prospects to be in the top 10 of the world «pound for pound». You gave him a solid fight, although there were issues in your preparation. How much did your confidence increase after that performance? It seems to me that I would address God as «you» after such a performance.

- No, you wouldn't. I'm not going to call God «you». I see this fight more as a lesson. It provided an opportunity to recognize my mistakes. It was a whole different level from the fighters I've faced before. And this defeat has given me perhaps more than all my previous victories. Thanks to this fight, we've done a lot of work on our mistakes. It has helped us improve and get better.



- Do you think Ennis can beat Terence Crawford or not? How would their fight go?

- Well, no... I'm a big Crawford fan (smiles). I don't know... Probably can't. At least, that's the way it seems to me, anyway. Crawford is a very tough fighter, very smart, fast, and punching. And he hits from positions that aren't obvious. In an episode where others would just defend themselves, he can throw out a counterpunch. But on the other hand, he is already an age boxer. But so far, age has not affected him in any way, shape or form. Crawford is a fighter who can take one punch. And Ennis is the kind of fighter who doesn't miss a punch (laughs). Stylistically, it's a very interesting fight. And it would be a very cool poster. That's the kind of fight I think everyone would want to see. I think Crawford is the stronger fighter at the moment.

- It may happen that very soon the welterweight division will be left without any top fighters. After all, Crawford and Errol Spence are moving to the first middleweight division. It's possible that Ennis will follow them. And then the toughest names at 66 kg will probably be Mario Barrios, who started his career at 55 kg, and Eimantas Stanionis. Good fighters, but definitely not the kind of fighters that are unrealistic to beat. How would you assess your title chances?

- To be honest, I don't really like to evaluate my chances. Or evaluating my technique. I think it should be done by analysts or boxing fans. I'm ready to box with anyone. And I'm ready to win.

- Are there any boxers you would like to face in the ring?

- I'd like to box with Crawford. And not because you can make money with him. It's just because I think he's the best right now. And I'd really like to box with him to see what it's like. I'd like to try... (smiles) Well... Why try? You gotta believe in yourself. I'd like to beat Crawford. That would be easy. I don't know. Rocket! Space! You beat Crawford, and that'd be it. You could end your career after that. (laughs)

- Are there any top fighters in the division, iconic fighters that would be stylistically comfortable for you?

- Significant? And who can be considered iconic (smiles)?

- For example, Stanionis. Are you comfortable with this type of fighter?

- Perhaps he would be more comfortable than Ennis if you compare. In general, fighters representing Ukrainian and post-Soviet schools of boxing are usually more comfortable boxing with Mexicans because they are less trained. The only thing you need is to withstand the pressure. If your stamina is good, such fights are usually not very hard for you. It is clear that Mexicans are also different. But now we are talking about the average Mexican. It's hard with Americans because of the specifics of their boxing. It's the shoulder rolls and everything else. With the tops that we have now, it would probably be comfortable to box with Stanionis.

- It's totally possible that Ryan Garcia, the well-known super lightweight, might move up in this division since he's said he's outgrown 63 pounds. What do you make of Garcia's tactics against Devin Haney—like trying to psych out his opponent and totally ignoring the weight limit? Do you think the ends justify the means? Does winning make it all okay?

- Maybe not always. Honestly, it feels like Ryan managed to pull one over on everyone, myself included (smiles). Before the fight, I was convinced he was out of his mind. Well, good for him. He achieved what he wanted. He won, and he made a ton of money. You could say he's sitting on top of the world right now and could line up some massive fights.

- I think if he stays in this career at 66 kg, there aren't many lucrative options. Probably just one—Conor Benn. What's your take on Benn? Do you think there's more buzz and promotion than genuine potential?

- He's got something interesting, especially in his boxing style. But I wouldn't rank him as a top fighter in the division. I think he could overwhelm Garcia. If Ryan moves up to 66 kg, I believe Benn could take him down.

- Would you bet on Benn?

- Generally, the favorite is the one who moves up in weight, especially when jumping several classes. How many fights has Garcia had at 63 pounds? Two or three? He was just at 61 kilos, and now he's planning to jump to 66 kg. We've seen a few succeed in jumping two weight classes. Like Mikey Garcia against Errol Spence—he had no chance.

- Similar story with Rigondeaux and Lomachenko.

- Exactly, like Rigondeaux vs. Lomachenko or Canelo vs. Bivol... Take Canelo. There was a time when he seemed unbeatable. He believed it, too. He even signed up to fight cruiserweight Ilunga Makabu, convinced he was invincible.

- And he was even eyeing Usyk! Karen, back to Garcia. Can you see yourself in that role? Would you go that route if the only way to win was to fudge the weigh-in and get under your opponent's skin? Can you imagine resorting to such tactics? Because I honestly can't.

- Honestly, I couldn't either. But it's different for Garcia and Haney. They've had a beef going back to their childhood. So, I think it's easier for Ryan to get under Devin's skin because he's known him for so long. And how could I possibly rattle Scarff if I know nothing about him (laughs)? I hadn't heard anything about him before this fight, except his win over Essouman. That's it.

- I believe it, as that was also my first time seeing him fight. Karen, thanks a lot for the interview. Just a little wish—I hope you never have to go against your principles. I'm sure you can claim the title the old-fashioned way, purely based on what happens in the ring. I'm really looking forward to this fight. It's super intriguing and interesting. I wish more fans knew about it.

- Thanks. We'll keep in touch!

The questions was asked by Sviatoslav Osypov