IBA PRO 19 is under way at VTB Arena in Moscow, with a packed fight card bringing together championship boxing, leading heavyweight contenders, international match-ups and IBA Bare Knuckle action.

The event is headlined by WBA heavyweight world champion Murat Gassiev (RUS), who will defend his title against Peter Kadiru (GER) in the main event. Gassiev enters the ring for the first defence of the title he captured at IBA PRO 13, while Kadiru steps into one of the biggest opportunities of his professional career.

In the co-main event, Artem Suslenkov (RUS) faces Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce (GBR) in a 12-round heavyweight bout for the WBA Gold International Heavyweight title.

The card also features several major title and contender bouts, including Pavel Sosulin (RUS) against Eddie Colmenares (VEN) for the IBA Intercontinental title, Sharabutdin Ataev (RUS) against Jose Uzcategui (VEN) in a WBA light heavyweight eliminator, and Tamerlan Ozdoev (RUS) against Shivam Jangra (IND) for the WBA Asia East title.

IBA Bare Knuckle is also represented on the programme, with Vitaly Starykh (RUS) facing Maksim Gorbatko (RUS), and Vyacheslav Meshcherkin (RUS) meeting Elmar Huseynov (AZE).

The opening bout of the night saw Ozdoev stop Jangra in the eighth round to become WBA Asia East champion.

Starykh secures unanimous decision over Gorbatko

IBA PRO 19 switched from boxing to bare-knuckle action for its fourth contest of the evening, as Vitaly Starykh (RUS) defeated Maksim Gorbatko (RUS) by unanimous decision under IBA Bare Knuckle rules.

Starykh came forward from the opening bell, applying constant pressure and looking to impose his physical strength, while Gorbatko made effective use of the larger ring, boxing on the move and exchanging freely with his opponent. As the fight progressed, Starykh’s aggression began to tell, with several powerful hooks opening a cut above Gorbatko’s right eye.

The momentum briefly shifted in the third and final round when Gorbatko timed a superb counter to score a knockdown. However, it was not enough to overturn Starykh’s work over the earlier rounds, as the judges awarded Starykh the unanimous decision.

Result: Vitaly Starykh (RUS) def. Maksim Gorbatko (RUS) by unanimous decision (IBA Bare Knuckle).

Gadzhimagomedov’s speed and timing prove too much for Martinez

Muslim Gadzhimagomedov (RUS) delivered one of the most convincing performances of the evening, forcing Kevin Martinez (MEX) to retire after the eighth round of their cruiserweight contest.

From the opening bell, the multiple-time world champion and Olympic silver medallist controlled the distance behind a sharp jab, neutralising Martinez’s attacks while landing accurate combinations. As the fight progressed, Gadzhimagomedov’s speed, timing and movement created an increasingly wide gap between the two boxers.

Martinez struggled to cope with the Russian’s precision and sustained pressure throughout the contest. After eight one-sided rounds, the Mexican’s corner decided not to send him out for the ninth, handing Gadzhimagomedov a retirement victory.

Result: Muslim Gadzhimagomedov (RUS) def. Kevin Martinez (MEX) by RTD, Round 9.

Musaev defeats Manirola on points

Vadim Musaev (RUS) earned a unanimous decision victory over Farahat Manirola (UGA) in their welterweight contest.

Musaev controlled the centre of the ring and gradually increased the pressure, while Manirola focused mainly on defence. The Russian remained patient and dictated the fight over the full 10 rounds.

Result: Vadim Musaev (RUS) def. Farahat Manirola (UGA) by unanimous decision.

Ozdoev stops Jangra to win WBA Asia East title

Tamerlan Ozdoev (RUS) opened IBA PRO 19 with an eighth-round knockout victory over Shivam Jangra (IND) to claim the WBA Asia East lightweight title.

Jangra started competitively, showing speed and movement, but Ozdoev gradually increased the pressure and began to take control in the middle rounds. The Russian hurt his opponent in the sixth, then overcame a one-point deduction in the seventh for a punch after the referee’s command.

In the eighth round, Ozdoev landed a heavy body shot that sent Jangra down to his knees. The referee completed the count, confirming Ozdoev as the new WBA Asia East lightweight champion.

Result: Tamerlan Ozdoev (RUS) def. Shivam Jangra (IND) by KO, Round 8.