Russian knockout artist Rustam Islamov is set to make his highly anticipated return to the ring on February 21, when he takes on Tanzania’s Yusuph Metu for the WBA Asia East middleweight title in Istanbul.

Islamov has been inactive since July 6, 2023, when he made quick work of fellow Russian Sergei Gorokhov, scoring a first-round knockout. The Makhachkala native remains undefeated at 6-0, with all six wins coming by stoppage, establishing himself as a serious threat in the division.

His opponent, Yusuph “Mr. Mwanza” Metu, brings a solid 11-1 record with 8 KOs into the fight. The Tanzanian contender is fighting outside his home country for just the second time—his first international outing came in September 2024, when he traveled to Russia to challenge Albert Khamkhoev for the WBA Asia East super welterweight title.

Metu rebounded two months later with a second-round TKO victory over Karage Suba in Tanzania, proving he’s still a dangerous force in the division.

With both fighters boasting a high knockout ratio, fireworks are expected when Islamov and Metu square off for regional gold in Istanbul.