Unbeaten Serbian contender Vladimir Mironchikov believes boxing fans are in for an unforgettable night of high-calibre action at IBA.PRO 20, declaring that the sport hasn’t seen bouts of this caliber in the region for a long time. 

Set for 14 August in Naberezhnye Chelny, the landmark event will feature world champions, global stars, and fiercely competitive international title fights.

The headline bout of the evening will see reigning world champion Djambulat Bizhamov (RUS) take on undefeated Mironchikov in a blockbuster 10-round clash for the vacant IBF European super-middleweight title.

Bizhamov enters the tournament with a 3-0 professional record as one of the most decorated boxers on the card. Over the past five years, the Russian has claimed gold at the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships alongside silver medals at both the European and World Championships.

“I have been living with this kind of pressure for a long time, so there is no psychological burden. I am used to people always expecting me to win. Naturally, my mindset is always to win,” Bizhamov said.

Representing Serbia, Mironchikov has won all eight of his professional contests, with six victories coming by stoppage. The 2022 Mediterranean Games champion promises fans a tough but entertaining battle.

“I believe our fight will be the best on the card. Even by [world class] Russian boxing standards, there haven’t been fights like this in a long time,” Mironchikov said. “I prepared specifically for Djambulat. He is an excellent boxer. It will be a great 10-round professional duel. Come and support us and watch some beautiful boxing.”

The IBA.PRO 20 event will also feature Russian boxer Sergey Sergeev. For the 25-year-old, this will be much more than another professional appearance: the Naberezhnye Chelny native will step into the ring in front of his hometown crowd for the very first time.

Sergeev is a gold medallist at the 2024 BRICS Games, and the Russian champion and 2026 Russian Cup winner. He has won both of his professional contests inside the distance.

“This is huge motivation and a big responsibility, but also a great joy for me. I will be thrilled to see everyone in the stands and hear my name called,” Sergeev said. “This tournament is a major step forward for boxing in Chelny. People will see that we have a strong boxing culture here with incredible talent. The younger generation looks up to me and wants to take up the sport. They can see that boxing offers a livelihood, helps you earn a living, and gives you an opportunity to develop.”

Sergeev will face Tajikistan’s Nekruz Salimov in a six-round bout for the Naberezhnye Chelny Mayor’s Cup. Salimov won silver at the 2022 Asian U22 Championships, competed at two IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships, and reached the quarter-finals at the 2023 World Championships in Dubai, where he was stopped by two-time Olympic champion Arlen Lopez. The Tajik boxer also holds two victories under the IBA.PRO banner.

“You cannot underestimate your opponent,” Sergeev added. “He has competed at two World Championships and reached the quarter-finals. I think fans will see a highly competitive and entertaining fight. I am 100 per cent ready. I spent a month and a half preparing and gave everything in training so I wouldn’t let the people of Chelny down.”

The full IBA.PRO 20 fight card is available on the IBA website.