On March 12, the International Boxing Association returns to Saint Petersburg with a stacked IBA PRO international fight card. Headlined by a high-stakes super welterweight clash between Pavel Sosulin and Victor Nagbe, the event features title challenges, rising prospects, and elite cross-border matchups, shaping up as one of the most compelling nights of the season to date..

A defining moment for Sosulin

Undefeated contender Pavel Sosulin (12-0, 6 KOs) steps into the ring at a pivotal stage of his career. Nicknamed “Mex” for his relentless, pressure-heavy style inspired by Mexican boxing traditions, the Angarsk-born fighter has rapidly established himself as a serious threat in the 154-pound division.

After a dominant second-round stoppage of Jorge Fortea to capture the IBA PRO Intercontinental title, Sosulin now sets his sights on the global stage. A convincing performance in Saint Petersburg would move him significantly closer to world-level contention.

A late change — and a dangerous new challenge

The opponent has changed, but the mission remains the same. Sosulin now faces Victor Nagbe, who accepted this high-stakes challenge on just two weeks’ notice. Nagbe brings a legitimate arsenal capable of upsetting the home favorite.

A highly decorated kickboxer, Nagbe also boasts a solid professional boxing record of 12 victories (6 by KO) against only two narrow losses. Short notice notwithstanding, he arrives with finishing power, elite combat experience, and the kind of unpredictability that can turn a main event on its head.

WBA Asia title on the line

The co-main event features a tactical battle for the vacant WBA Asia Championship between Vladimir Mironchikov (7-0, 6 KOs) and Ulugbek Sobirov (17-5, 10 KOs).

Mironchikov — a World Championship bronze medalist and Mediterranean Games champion representing Serbia, has built a reputation for clinical power and composure. His recent three-round stoppage of David Ferko in Turin confirmed his readiness for championship gold. He faces Sobirov, a product of the renowned Uzbek boxing school who brings immense resilience. Having previously gone the distance with world champion Dzhambulat Bizhamov, Sobirov represents the sternest test of Mironchikov’s professional career to date.

Rising stars ready to shine

The undercard adds further depth to this IBA PRO event. Ilya Popov (3-0), a reigning amateur world champion, faces Kazakhstan’s Nurtas Azhbenov (14-1) in a significant step up in competition.

Local favorite Eduard Savvin is also back in action, taking on Namibian knockout specialist Aime “Avatar” Malungilua, known for his explosive and unorthodox style.

High-stakes international matchups

The Saint Petersburg card is rounded out by a series of compelling cross-border contests featuring hungry prospects and seasoned challengers:

• Sergey Koldenkov vs. Abel Lima

• Nikita Kuzmin vs. Vakhtang Harutunian

• Tamerlan Ozdoev vs. Dastan Saaduly

• Sergey Murachev vs. Khalimzhon Mamosoliev

With undefeated prospects, regional titles at stake, and clear paths toward world rankings, the March 12 IBA PRO event promises a night where every punch carries weight.