Imam Khataev

Imam Khataev is a Russian professional boxer competing in the light heavyweight division. He was born on August 31, 1994, in Kulary, Chechnya. Khataev began boxing in 2008 under the guidance of coach Shamil Batsagov. He currently resides in Grozny, Russia, and is a graduate of Chechen State University.

During his amateur career, Khataev earned a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and another bronze at the 2023 World Men’s Boxing Championships in the light heavyweight category. He also achieved the title of Master of Sports of International Class in 2017.

Khataev turned professional in November 2021 and quickly made a name for himself with a series of impressive victories. Notably, he defeated the previously unbeaten Cuban boxer Yunior Menendez in December 2024, winning by third-round stoppage. In March 2025, he secured a unanimous decision victory over Durval Palacios in Sydney, Australia.

He is managed by Jim Kambosos of Ferocious Promotions and trained by Anton Kadushin, a well-known figure in Russian boxing. Currently, Imam Khataev continues to train diligently under Kadushin's guidance, focusing on advancing his career in professional boxing.

Imam Khataev’s boxing style exemplifies rhythmic pressure, combining Soviet footwork traditions with modern power punching. He employs a pendulum step - a rhythmic back-and-forth motion that allows him to control distance, disrupt his opponent’s timing, and create offensive opportunities. This technique involves smoothly shifting weight from one foot to the other, creating a rhythmic sway that resembles a pendulum’s motion. Mastery of the pendulum step helps fighters dictate the pace of the bout, keeping opponents off-balance and maximizing tactical advantages in the ring.

Khataev’s jab is sharp and purposeful, used to control distance and set up his powerful left cross. He finishes combinations with his weight on his back leg, allowing for a seamless transition into power shots or a follow-up jab. This technique ensures he is always ready to deliver a decisive blow or reset his stance for the next exchange.

His footwork is characterized by excellent lateral movement, enabling him to maintain pressure while evading attacks. This lateral agility, combined with his pendulum step, makes him a formidable opponent in both offensive and defensive scenarios.

Khataev’s power is evident in his ability to deliver high-volume combinations, often starting with a jab followed by a straight left and a right hook. This sequence allows him to overwhelm opponents with sustained pressure, leading to multiple stoppage victories.

Tactically, Khataev uses his pendulum step to keep opponents on the ropes, similar to a lineman protecting a quarterback. He employs his body weight in a lineman-like position to control his opponent, maintaining relentless pressure and dictating the fight's pace. This approach creates a continuous loop of attacking his opponent, showcasing his power and effectiveness in close-range combat.