Not a lot of casual fans might know who Maxim Dadashev is, but the 28-year-old Russian is quietly amassing an impressive resume and with Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney already advanced the prospect point, we figured we’d give this award to someone very deserving and hardly ever talked about in Dadashev. Dadashev, who trains at The Boxing Laboratory in Oxnard, Ca, is a volume power puncher who overwhelms opponents, who often have no answer.

Dadashev faced a world title challenger in Darleys Perez this year being pushed to the brink of defeated before his overhead right got him a stoppage in the tenth and final round. Dadashev was forced out of his comfort zone in this bout as his traditional combinations were not being made available as he had to find something that worked in the midst of turmoil.

Dadashev’s next win was against former lightweight world champion Antonio DeMarco, who pushed Dadashev backward and forced him to have to fight in manners beyond just overwhelming his opponent. Dadashev picked up a close win and despite taking a bit of damage this year, Dadashev is now in position to fight for a world title soon at the super lightweight division as he looks to be in a similar spot as Arnold Barboza Jr., who is also looking for a title shot or could end up with Alex Saucedo as well.

Dadashev has proven that he can fight in different manners as well as an extensive amateur background and very good power. Dadashev is our choice for the prospect of the year in 2018.