Following a subject matter expert review of an exchange that occurred during the final of the 60kg weight category at the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships in Dubai, held from 2–13 December, the result of the contest will remain unchanged.

The moment in question happened late in the third round of this contest, with approximately 50 seconds remaining, during a close‑range clinch between the blue corner athlete Vsevolod Shumkov (Russia) and the red corner athlete Abdumalik Khalokov (Uzbekistan). During this brief engagement, Shumkov’s mouth made contact with Khalokov’s ear in an action that appeared incidental, and without any demonstrable effect on the flow of the bout.

The referee, positioned directly over the exchange, had full visibility and determined that the interaction did not warrant any intervention. Post video review likewise confirms that the contest proceeded immediately and correctly, with Khalokov continuing to engage freely and without any indication of impairment or protest.

While such contact is not permitted under IBA rules, officials are required to evaluate each occurrence in real time and within its full context, including severity, intent, and impact on the bout. In this instance, the officiating team assessed the situation, which was concluded by the World Championships Technical Delegate, with no appeal submitted by the Uzbekistan delegation prior to the close of the event. Therefore, there is no regulatory basis to alter the official result or adjust the medal standings.

To ensure full transparency and uphold the standards of the sport, the matter will be reviewed by the Boxing Independent Integrity Unit (BIIU), which may consider a financial penalty if it concludes that the behaviour constituted a rule violation.

“The integrity of our competitions is paramount, and it cannot be compromised. We engaged subject matter experts to support the assessment of this episode, with a rounded decision confirmed by the Technical Delegate. As the authority to amend the result has expired, the Technical Delegate recommended referring the matter to the BIIU to consider a fine for the athlete if deemed appropriate. I want to emphasise that the interests of the athletes remain our highest priority in any situation,” said Chris Roberts OBE, IBA Secretary General and CEO.