Russian boxer Vsevolod Shumkov believes his title fight rival, Uzbekistan’s Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov throws less series of punches, which will cost him a victory in the 57kg IBA Pro World Champion bout. IBA Champions’ Night is scheduled for 28 September at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku.

The boxers took part in an intense face-to-face in Azerbaijan’s capital city.

‘I watched his bouts,’ Shumkov claimed. ‘In comparison with me, he throws fewer punches, they are single, but rough ones. He moves and pursues these strong targeted blows. That said, I believe that my physical condition and technique will help overcome that. I am confident and well-prepared for this title fight.’

Mirzakhalilov, in turn, counts on his experience, saying, ‘I’ve been boxing for over 20 years. My role model was Muhammad Abdullaev, our first Olympic champion in boxing. My brother was my first coach, as boxing is a tradition in our family— all my brothers are boxers. So far, I’m the first to achieve significant results. I’ve been waiting for this moment of title fight in my career for a long time, and of course, I hope to win this fight.’

Both boxers won their eliminator matches earlier this year. Shumkov celebrated a victory over Cuban Saidel Horta, while Mirzakhalilov took his chance in Dushanbe in February when he defeated Luis Rodriguez from Mexico.

The co-main event of the night will feature home favorite and two-time world bronze medallist Mahammad Abdullayev and two-time Pan American Games medallist Cristian Salcedo from Colombia in the +92kg weight division.

In the same weight category, Mahammadrasul Majidov (3-1) will expect a warm welcome from the home crowd in Azerbaijan as he meets Nursultan Amanzholov (7-2) from Kazakhstan. Amanzholov will be looking to set the record right after a split decision loss to Bekkhan Israilov at IBA Champions’ Night Ufa.

Australian boxer Jackson Murray and Solomon Adebayo from Nigeria are the third pair of the evening competing in the +92kg division. Both Murray (6-0) and Adebayo (14-0) remain undefeated professionally.

In the 90.7kg weight category, Cuban Lenar Perez (12-0) is to challenge Rosmen Brito (11-0) from Venezuela for the WBA Asia title.

Russia’s Gabil Mamedov is to face Nurtas Azhbenov from Kazakhstan in the 63.5kg division. Mamedov looks to win again at IBA Champions’ Night, having defeated Dzmitry Asanau from Belarus by unanimous decision in Sochi in March. Azhbenov holds a 13-1 professional record and will debut at IBA Champions’ Night.

Azerbaijan’s up-and-coming star Nijat Huseynov, who competed at the Paris 2024 Games, meets the undefeated John Michael Zulueta (17-0-3) from the Philippines in the 51kg division.

In an opening bout, local boxer Sarkhan Aliyev (2-0) challenges Munkh-Erdene Uranchimeg from Mongolia, who scored a victory on his professional debut.

Tickets for IBA Champions’ Night Baku are available here. The event will be live-streamed on the IBA website.

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Media contacts:

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

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