Imam Khataev Biography: Nationality, Age, Record, Height, Parents, Boxing Career, Net Worth

Imam Khataev is a Russian professional boxer competing in the light heavyweight division, known for his relentless “steamroller” style and knockout power.

A 2020 Olympic bronze medalist, he has an undefeated professional record and is a rising star under Eye of the Tiger Management, proudly carrying his Chechen heritage into the ring.

Profile

• Full Name: Imam Abdulayevich Khataev
• Stage Name: Imam Khataev
• Born: August 31, 1994
• Age: 30 years old
• Birthplace: Kulary, Chechen Republic, Russia
• Nationality: Russian
• Occupation: Professional Boxer
• Height: 5 feet 10½ inches (179 cm)
• Religion: Islam
• Parents: Mr. Khataev and Mrs. Khataev
• Siblings: Shamil Khataev (younger brother)
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $500,000 to $2 million

Early Life & Education

Imam Khataev was born on August 31, 1994, in Kulary, a village in the Chechen Republic, Russia.

He grew up with his parents, Mr. Khataev and Mrs. Khataev, and his younger brother, Shamil Khataev, who is also a boxer. Imam is of Russian nationality and Chechen ethnicity. His religion is Islam, which he follows as part of his cultural identity.

Raised in a tight-knit Chechen community, he started boxing at 14 under coach Shamil Batsagov, finding purpose in the sport during a challenging upbringing in post-conflict Chechnya. His pride in his Chechen roots and Russian spirit fueled his drive to succeed.

Imam graduated from Chechen State University in Grozny, Russia, with a degree, though the specific field is not publicly known.

His focus on boxing, especially after joining the Russian national team, took priority over further studies.

Career

Imam Khataev began boxing in 2008, amassing over 350 amateur fights. He competed in the 2015 Russian Championship in Samara and won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021), losing to Briton Benjamin Whittaker in the light heavyweight semi-finals.

He also earned a bronze at the 2023 World Men’s Boxing Championships. In 2017, he received the title of Master of Sports of International Class in Russia.

He turned pro on November 3, 2021, debuting with a win in Russia. In 2022 and 2023, he scored knockouts in Serbia and Australia, training under coach Anton Kadushin and managed by Jim Kambosos of Ferocious Promotions.

Joining Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM) in fall 2023, he knocked out two opponents before defeating Polish champion Michal Ludwiczak in January 2024 for the NABF light heavyweight title.

In May 2024, he stopped world contender Ricards Bolotniks in the sixth round on the Lomachenko vs. Kambosos undercard in Australia.

In September 2024, he delivered a seventh-round TKO over Argentine Olympian Ezequiel Maderna. In December 2024, he defeated unbeaten Cuban Yunior Menendez by third-round stoppage. In March 2025, he won a unanimous decision against Durval Palacios in Sydney.

On July 12, 2025, Imam faced his first professional loss against David Morrell in a 10-round split decision in New York, despite scoring a fifth-round knockdown.

His record stands at 10-1-0, with nine knockouts. A two-year doping ban for testing positive for Clomifene on April 9, 2024, was reported on July 8, 2025, effective from June 26, 2025, to June 25, 2027, disqualifying results from April 2024 onward.

The ban’s impact on his July 2025 fight remains unclear, as he competed despite the sanction. Imam aims to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion, embodying the resilience of the Chechen people.

Awards & Nominations

• 2017: Master of Sports of International Class (Russia)
• 2020: Olympic Bronze Medal, Men’s Light Heavyweight
• 2023: World Men’s Boxing Championships, Light Heavyweight (Bronze)
• 2024: NABF Light Heavyweight Title

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @imamkhataev

Personal Life

Imam Khataev, 30, lives in Sydney, Australia, and is single, focusing on his boxing career. He stands at 5 feet 10½ inches and trains under Anton Kadushin, who also coached George Kambosos Jr.

Imam is close to his family, especially his younger brother Shamil, a fellow boxer. His Chechen heritage is central to his identity, and he often speaks of his pride in representing both Chechnya and Russia.

Net Worth

Imam Khataev’s net worth is estimated at $500,000 to $2 million.

His income comes from fight purses, sponsorships with Eye of the Tiger Management, and endorsements.

The doping ban announced in 2025 may affect future earnings, but his rising profile and knockout record have built his wealth.