Shymkent, Southern Kazakhstan was the location for the Abdaliyev Memorial Tournament from 4-9 November, and the city witnessed several major upsets as the favourites in half a dozen weight categories were beaten to gold by boxing’s latest crop of young stars.

The average age of the gold medalists was just 21, but the biggest surprise of the competition came in the form of Tajikstan’s gifted 18 year-old middleweight Shabbos Negmatulloev. Under the guidance of his coach and father Abbos Negmatulloev, he defeated the host’s experienced National Champion Yerik Alzhanov.

“I tried to follow my father’s instructions from ringside and I felt in top form after the ASBC Asian Confederation Boxing Championships. I was so disappointed after the Bangkok event, but I raised the intensity of my training and it paid off here. This is just the beginning – I have big plans for 2016,” said a delighted Negmatulloev.

Zhanaidar Kozhamzharov arrived in Shymkent from Astana as an international newcomer, but he too was able to overcome the favourites in the 64kg category, including Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games winner Abylaykhan Zhussupov from Kazakhstan.

Super heavyweight gold went to Nurzhan Bekzatov, who produced the performance of the tournament infront of his home fans to take the title, while his compatriot Dulat Dauitov came out the surprise winner against 18 year-old Saken Bibosynov in the light flyweight final. Kazakhstan’s 19 year-old  lightweight Rauan Zatulla also starred as the hosts grabbed nine golds.

Full list of winners at the Abdaliyev Memorial Tournament

49 kg: Dulat Dauitov, Kazakhstan

52 kg: Maksutkan Zarykkanov, Kazakhstan

56 kg: Bagdaulet Sovet, Kazakhstan

60 kg: Rauan Zatulla, Kazakhstan

64 kg: Zhanaidar Kozhamzharov, Kazakhstan

69 kg: Akhmet Mombekov, Kazakhstan

75 kg: Shabbos Negmatulloev, Tajikistan

81 kg: Bayanbek Sametov, Kazakhstan

91 kg: Erzhan Seitimbetov, Kazakhstan

+91 kg: Nurzhan Bekzatov, Kazakhstan

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