Redemption Meets Undefeated Resolve: Stevens And Khamukov Make Weight For Long Beach Fight Night

On a sunlit Friday afternoon at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, all eyes were on the scales as David Stevens and Petr Khamukov successfully made weight ahead of their highly anticipated clash. With both fighters meeting the super middleweight limit—Stevens at 167.6 pounds and Khamukov slightly lighter at 166.6 pounds—the scene is now set for a 10-round battle where narratives of redemption, reinvention, and rising stakes converge.

A Career Crossroads for David Stevens

At just 25 years old, David Stevens is already navigating the complex emotional terrain that often comes with early professional setbacks. Hailing from Reading, Pennsylvania, Stevens brings a record of 14 wins and 2 losses, with 10 of those victories coming by knockout. His power is evident, but recent experiences have tested his resolve and forced introspection.

Stevens’ last bout was a hard-fought split decision loss to Bektemir “Bek The Bully” Melikuziev, a highly regarded contender in the division. Although it was officially marked as a loss, many boxing observers saw it as a positive performance for Stevens—a far cry from the stunning first-round knockout he suffered two fights earlier at the hands of Joeshon James. That defeat was the first of his professional career, and it carried the kind of weight that either breaks a fighter or builds him. Stevens has chosen the latter path.

Now with renewed focus and sharper fundamentals, Stevens views the upcoming bout with Khamukov as a vital proving ground. Not only is he fighting for a win, but he’s also looking to reclaim the momentum and respect that slipped from his grasp after the James loss.

The Quiet Confidence of Petr Khamukov

Standing across from Stevens on fight night will be the undefeated Petr Khamukov, a 2016 Olympian who represented Russia before settling into a professional career in the United States. The 33-year-old, now training out of Woodland Hills, California, enters the ring with a perfect record of 13-0, including 6 wins by knockout. Though his path to this moment has been relatively quiet, Khamukov carries with him a resume filled with technical skill and international experience.

What makes this bout particularly intriguing is that it will mark Khamukov’s first official fight at super middleweight. While he has fought twice at a 166-pound catchweight—in 2021 and again in 2023—this contest against Stevens represents his formal entry into the 168-pound division. Despite the move up in weight, Khamukov’s team is confident that his combination of speed, ring IQ, and adaptability will translate well.

That said, questions remain. Khamukov is returning from a 13-month layoff, his last bout being a third-round knockout win over Esau Herrera de la Cruz. While an extended break can offer time for physical rejuvenation and strategic recalibration, it also presents potential risks when facing a younger, more active opponent like Stevens.

A Clash of Styles and Stories

This matchup is compelling not just for what the fighters bring to the ring physically, but also for the emotional and career narratives that underlie the contest. For Stevens, it’s about proving that one loss—however devastating—does not define a career. For Khamukov, it’s the next chapter in a journey that has spanned continents, culminating in what could be a breakthrough performance on U.S. soil.

The contrast in styles only adds to the intrigue. Stevens is known for his aggression and power punching, capable of ending a fight in a single exchange. Khamukov, on the other hand, is more of a technician, relying on precision, footwork, and the kind of ring intelligence that comes from years of amateur pedigree. It’s the classic puncher-versus-boxer dynamic, and whoever imposes their game plan first may well dictate the entire flow of the fight.

Undercard Adds Depth to the Event

While Stevens vs. Khamukov headlines the card, the supporting fights round out what promises to be an action-packed evening streamed live on DAZN.

In the junior middleweight division, Leonardo Ruiz (153.6 lbs) will square off against Jarrod Tennant (153.2 lbs) in an eight-round bout. Both fighters are still looking to establish themselves as true contenders, and this evenly matched contest could turn out to be a show-stealer.

Several intriguing matchups will take place at the 142-pound catchweight mark. Juan Sanchez (141.6 lbs) is set to meet Yeis Gabriel Solano (141.4 lbs), while Leonardo Rubalcava (141.6 lbs) faces Dorian Mendez (141.4 lbs). These six-round fights offer a stage for rising prospects to showcase their skills and possibly set themselves up for more significant opportunities in the near future.

A four-round bantamweight bout between Alexis Alvarado (117.6 lbs) and Jose Silva (118.0 lbs) will highlight the young talent in the lighter weight classes. Meanwhile, Emiliano Alvarado (125.2 lbs) and Antonio Alejandro Mejia (125.6 lbs) will do battle in a 127-pound catchweight affair.

Rounding out the card is another six-round bout at 142 pounds featuring Daniel Cruz (142.0 lbs) against Sachin Rohila (141.6 lbs). Each of these undercard fighters will be eager to make a statement, understanding that a strong performance on a streamed card can significantly boost their visibility.

The Stakes Are Real

While Friday’s weigh-in may have lacked theatrics or heated face-offs, it was a moment of quiet tension—the calm before a storm of fists, strategy, and heart. For both Stevens and Khamukov, the stakes go far beyond a win or loss. The outcome of this bout could determine which of them moves one step closer to a world title shot and who finds themselves facing another long road back.

For Stevens, a win erases lingering doubts and puts him back in the conversation as a rising force in the division. For Khamukov, victory in his super middleweight debut affirms his decision to move up in weight and signals that he’s ready for top-tier opposition. It’s a make-or-break night for two fighters walking very different paths that have now collided in Long Beach.

As the final hours tick down before fight night, all that’s left is the battle itself—a 10-round canvas on which both men will attempt to paint their next career milestone.]

Source: David Stevens, Petr Khamukov make weight for Long Beach fight

Final Weigh-In Results Recap:

Main Event – Super Middleweight (10 Rounds):

David Stevens: 167.6 lbs
Petr Khamukov: 166.6 lbs

Junior Middleweight (8 Rounds):

Leonardo Ruiz: 153.6 lbs
Jarrod Tennant: 153.2 lbs

Catchweight (142 lbs – 6 Rounds):

Juan Sanchez: 141.6 lbs
Yeis Gabriel Solano: 141.4 lbs

Catchweight (142 lbs – 6 Rounds):

Leonardo Rubalcava: 141.6 lbs
Dorian Mendez: 141.4 lbs

Bantamweight (4 Rounds):

Alexis Alvarado: 117.6 lbs
Jose Silva: 118.0 lbs

Catchweight (127 lbs – 4 Rounds):

Emiliano Alvarado: 125.2 lbs
Antonio Alejandro Mejia: 125.6 lbs

Catchweight (142 lbs – 6 Rounds):

Daniel Cruz: 142.0 lbs
Sachin Rohila: 141.6 lbs