Teymuraz Surov (SRB) claimed a majority-decision victory over Uladzislau Smiahlikau (BLR) in the heavyweight main event of IBA.PRO 21 in Brest, Belarus, while MMA veteran Jeff Monson (RUS/USA) made his final boxing appearance in a defeat to Ivan Soltoianu (MDA).

The seven-bout card, organised by the International Boxing Association (IBA), featured professional boxing and contests fought in MMA gloves, with athletes from seven countries competing in Brest.

“IBA.PRO 21 in Brest perfectly reflected what our platform is all about: bringing together athletes from different combat sports backgrounds and giving them the opportunity to compete on an international stage. 

From Jeff Monson and Ivan Soltoianu bidding farewell after remarkable careers to talented young prospects such as Igor Sviridchenkov taking the next step, the evening showcased the diversity, excitement and future of combat sports. 

I would like to thank the fans in Brest and the viewers around the world who joined us for a memorable night of action,” IBA Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE said.

Surov takes majority decision in heavyweight main event

Teymuraz Surov (SRB), a Russian national championship medallist representing Serbia, defeated Tokyo Olympian Uladzislau Smiahlikau (BLR) by majority decision over six rounds.

Surov pressed forward from the opening bell, while Smiahlikau looked to counter. The Serbian representative damaged his opponent’s nose in the second round and continued to land the cleaner punches, doing enough to earn the decision.

“My opponent was older and more experienced, but nothing he did surprised me. I wasn’t worried at any point. Everything went according to plan, and I’d like to thank him for sharing the ring with me.

I dedicate this victory to my younger brother, who has recently earned his Master of Sport title. Maybe one day he’ll catch up with me — or even surpass me!” Surov said.

Monson and Soltoianu retire after IBA Legend contest

Jeff Monson (RUS/USA) and Ivan Soltoianu (MDA), whose combined age was 114, met in a special four-round contest for the IBA Legend title. Soltoianu won by unanimous decision after four two-minute rounds. Both veterans announced their retirement immediately afterwards.

Monson, a former UFC heavyweight title challenger, reflected on his 29-year career.

“I respect every boxer. Boxing is a much better sport than I ever realised. I’ve been a fighter for 29 years and had more than 100 fights. Today was my last fight. I’m getting old, and my body is tired, but I’ve had an incredible time. I have so many fans, and I want to tell them something: I’m your fan, too. Thank you so much,” Monson said.

Radzionau defeats Perez in co-main event

Aliaksandr Radzionau (BLR) defeated Viktor Perez (CUB) over six rounds at 66.7 kg in a meeting between two accomplished amateur boxers.

Perez set an aggressive pace from the opening bell, but Radzionau used his movement and counterpunching to keep the Cuban at bay. The Belarusian maintained his composure through six fast-paced rounds to secure the victory on the judges’ scorecards.

Ilhomov stops Nekrash in explosive encounter

Shoxrux Ilhomov (UZB) scored a technical knockout against Alexander Nekrash (BLR) in their 90 kg contest fought in MMA gloves.

Both athletes traded heavy punches from the opening seconds before Ilhomov landed a powerful shot that left Nekrash hurt and forced the stoppage.

“My nickname is ‘The Tank’ for a reason. When I land a punch, it does damage,” Ilhomov said.

Careri scores early stoppage, Luzhinskiy and Khachatryan draw

Leo Careri (RSA) opened the evening with a second-round stoppage of Artiom Popovici (MDA) at 79.4 kg. A clean right hand from the South African prompted the referee to end the contest.

“My girlfriend told me not to make her stress too much, so I didn’t want to keep her waiting!” Careri joked.

At 69.9 kg, Ilya Luzhinskiy (BLR), who accepted the bout at short notice, scored a first-round knockdown against Erik Khachatryan (ARM). Khachatryan responded with sustained pressure, while Luzhinskiy relied on counterpunching. Their three-round contest in MMA gloves ended in a draw.

Sviridchenkov claims third professional victory

Igor Sviridchenkov (RUS) earned the third victory of his professional career after a bloody six-round contest against Viktar Murashkin (BLR) at 71 kg.

Murashkin proved more resilient than expected, but Sviridchenkov did enough to secure the win on the judges’ scorecards.

“My main goal was to go the full six rounds and show what I can do over a longer distance. My opponent’s stamina surprised me. I expected him to tire much earlier. I didn’t even notice the blood. When you’re in the ring, you have an opponent in front of you and a target to hit. Nothing else matters,” Sviridchenkov said.