Cuban Arlen Lopez will now defend his IBA Pro 80kg World Champion title belt against Russia’s Nikita Zon in the main event at IBA Champions’ Night in Dubai on 6 December.

Lopez (4-0), who defeated Luis Antonio Tejada of the Dominican Republic to become the first World Champion in his weight division back in August, was scheduled to face Russia’s Sharabutdin Ataev in the final fight of the night, but his initial opponent has withdrawn due to illness.

Zon (8-1-1) is a worthy challenger, with a strong professional record. His last victory came just recently on 30 November, winning by TKO6 against Odiljon Aslonov. Three of his past five matches have been won by this verdict.

His only defeat to date came at IBA Champions’ Night Astana in December 2023, in a losing effort to Bekzad Nurdauletov from Kazakhstan.

The co-main event will see Shakhobidin Zoirov from Uzbekistan face Yoel Finol of Venezuela for the IBA Pro 57kg World Championship.

Continental title fights are to take place between Jose Quiles and Ardit Murja, Joel Camilleri and Weljon Mindoro, Ryan Martin and Jose Miguel Borrego, and Patrick Mukala and Paulinus Ndjolonimu too.

Other matches scheduled on the fight card include the women’s contest between Iran’s Puneh Akhundtabarmazandarani and Xenia Jorneac of Romania; as well as a men’s bout that sees Armenia’s Artush Hovhannisyan face off against Giorgi Kushitashvili of Georgia.

On Wednesday, the boxers showed their skills at a public workout at Rocky Road Boxing Club in Dubai. The star-studded line-up took part in a training day prior to the event as part of IBA’s week-long activities in the United Arab Emirates.

Cuban Arlen Lopez, the IBA Pro World Champion at 80kg, with his opponent, Nikita Zon performed in front of the media showing their outstanding skills. It is part of IBA’s ambitions to motivate as many as possible into the world of sport and fitness, particularly in boxing.

IBA Champions’ Night is scheduled for 6 December at the Agenda Arena, followed by the 2024 IBA Ordinary Congress and Global Boxing Forum on 7 December.

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Media contacts:

Elena Sobol, Head of Communications and PR, International Boxing Association: elena.sobol@iba.sport