Another action-packed day at the IBA 2025 Boxing World Championships delivered everything from tactical masterclasses to thunderous stoppages, as athletes across weight categories battled for supremacy at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

Jalilov Shines in Bantamweight Masterclass

Uzbekistan’s Asilbek Jalilov produced one of the day’s most assured performances, outclassing Ghana’s Amadu Mohammed in a 5-0 unanimous decision. Mohammed, the 21-year-old All-African champion, entered the contest with momentum after an explosive opening victory, but Jalilov’s footwork and composure dictated the bout.

Jalilov controlled the distance early, tagging the torso with sharp counters while Mohammed struggled to establish his jab despite his reach advantage. The Uzbek’s confidence grew as he punctuated combinations with yells of approval. Mohammed’s frustration boiled over in the final round, where he lost a point, sealing Jalilov’s dominant win.

Light-Welterweight Chess Matches and Firefights

Azerbaijan’s Maksud Khasmetov showcased ring IQ in a controlled 5-0 UD win over Tajikistan’s Ruslan Gafurov, navigating contrasting styles with discipline.

In one of the session’s most dramatic turnarounds, Kyrgyzstan’s Omar Livaza edged LA-based Armenian Narek Hovhannisyan via a 5-2 bout review. Hovhannisyan’s early aggression paid dividends, but Livaza surged in the final round with fluid combination punching to earn the win.

Serbia’s Pavel Fedorov continued the trend of light-welterweight dominance with a clean 5-0 victory over Argentina’s Lucas Mariano Villalba, while Israel’s Ahmad Shtiwi used accuracy and control to score a 5-0 UD over Papua New Guinea’s John Ume, who battled a persistent cut throughout the bout.

Heavy Hands in the Cruiserweight Division

The cruiserweights brought power in abundance:

Uzbekistan’s Akmaljon Isroilov swept Kazakhstan’s Daulet Tulemissov with a 5-0 UD.

Georgia’s Georgii Kushitashvili dropped Kyrgyzstan’s Erkin Adylbek with a crushing overhand right, forcing an early stoppage.

Angola’s Adriano Kiana earned a hard-fought 4-1 win over Comoros’ Nassur Ali.

Armenia’s Rafayel Hovhannisyan overpowered Israel’s Yan Zak to win unanimously.

Ecuador’s Marlo Javier Delgado Suárez moved sharply on his way to a 5-0 shutout against Cameroon’s Guillaume Fabrice Yebi.

Belarus’ Aliaksei Alfiorau closed the afternoon session by decisively defeating Tajikistan’s Parviz Karimov.

Kazakhstan’s Zeinulinov Delivers a Clinic

One of the standout performers of the day, Kazakhstan’s Yertugan Zeinulinov (light welterweight), validated his number-two seeding with a comprehensive 5-0 UD over Puerto Rico’s Jose Manuel Aguirre Cruz (IBA-PRO). Using a precise jab, sharp body punching, and ring generalship, Zeinulinov dismantled his opponent over three rounds.

Aguirre Cruz struggled with discipline, losing two points for excessive holding. A third-round standing eight count sealed Zeinulinov’s superior display.

Bibossinov Survives Scare in Bantamweight Thriller

Kazakhstan’s Saken Bibossinov dominated Tanzania’s Issa Faki with a 5-0 UD, though the contest produced moments of real danger. Faki floored the Kazakh with a huge right hand in the second round, before both boxers were given counts in a chaotic exchange.

Bibossinov held firm with clean, accurate punching, while Faki swung for a dramatic finish until the final bell.

Flyweight and Featherweight Battles Intensify

Flyweight talent Daniyal Sabit (Kazakhstan) prevailed 5-0 against Cape Verde’s Lenick Fernandes, overcoming a point deduction in the third round. Fernandes pushed hard, especially in the second, but Sabit’s ring craft carried him through.

In featherweight action:

Khujanazar Nortojiev (Uzbekistan) defeated India’s Sachin Sachin, who fought bravely through a nose injury.

Armenia’s explosive Zhirayr Sargsyan stopped Mauritius’ Niven Chemben in the opening round with a devastating right hand.

South Africa’s Masibulele Sigwela was too slick for Belarus’ Dzianis Salotskikh.

Tajikistan’s Khusravkhon Rakhimov edged a tense 4-3 split against Mongolia’s Enkh-amar Kharkhuu.

Experienced Campaigners and Rising Stars Make Their Mark

Light-middleweight veteran Ablaikhan Zhussupov (Kazakhstan) put on a counterpunching clinic to defeat Belarus’ Aliaksandr Radzionau 5-0. Multiple point deductions for Radzionau compounded his troubles as Zhussupov swept the scorecards.

Russian flyweight Bair Batlaev overwhelmed French Polynesia’s Nikee Layzie Leon Cummings with relentless pressure, winning 5-0. Zambia’s second seed Patrick Chinyemba impressed with body work and movement in a unanimous win over Moldova’s Ion Plinga.

Dusmatov and Giovis Light Up the Flyweights

Two-time Olympic champion Hasanboy Dusmatov (Uzbekistan) opened his campaign with a 5-0 UD win over Turkey’s Samet Gumus despite absorbing a handful of sharp counters.

Cuba’s Salfran Mejias Giovis, one of the most talked-about prospects of the Championships, delivered a flamboyant stoppage over Spain’s Martin Molina, dropping him twice before the referee stepped in.

Rapid-Fire Stoppages and Technical Excellence in Ring A

Kazakhstan’s Orazbek Assylkulov delivered one of the tournament’s quickest stoppages, flattening Swaziland/Eswatini’s Mukelo Dlamini with a violent left hand in Round 1.

Mozambique’s Tiago Osorio Muxanga advanced after Tajikistan’s Dovud Makhkamov was disqualified for repeated low-ducking infringements.

More Unanimous Decisions Across Divisions

Several boxers advanced convincingly:

Rudolf Garboyan (Armenia) defeated Portugal’s Andre Santos Dos Reis 5-0.

Tajikistan’s Meroj Sufijonov earned a 5-0 win over Kyrgyzstan’s Mirlan Turkbay.

Spain’s Carlos Martiez Bernad, Russia’s Andrei Peglivanian, Mozambique’s Armando Rugoberto Sigauque, Turkmenistan’s Bayramdurdy Nurmuhammedov, and Russia’s Sergei Koldenkov all claimed clean sweeps in their respective contests.

A Day of High Emotion, Technical Brilliance and Raw Power

From tactical masterclasses to brutal knockouts, Day X in Dubai showcased the diversity and depth of global boxing talent. With athletes continuing to raise the level, the road to the podium promises even more explosive matchups as the Championships progress.