He became the first Russian from the post-Soviet Russia to win the World title, and being 18 years and 15 days old at the time of winning, he made the second youngest World Champion: 6 days older than Donald McPherson in 1963.
He became the first Russian from the post-Soviet Russia. This was to win the World title. He was being 18 years and 15 days old at the time of winning. He made the second youngest World Champion: 6 days older than Donald McPherson in 1963.