He defended this title twice before a career first loss on 21 October 2004, a split decision (SD) against Souleymane M'baye. On 9 July 2005, Kotelnik challenged European light-welterweight champion Junior Witter, but lost via UD.
He defended his title twice before a career first loss on 21 October 2004, a split decision (SD) against Souleymane M'baye. On 9 July 2005, Kotelnik challenged European light-welterweight champion Junior Witter, but lost via unanimous decision.