The IBA 2025 Men’s World Boxing Championships delivered another electrifying day of world-class action at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, featuring dramatic knockouts, clinical masterclasses and inspirational performances from emerging and established stars alike.

Livaza vs. Ilyasov: Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan Thriller

In a gripping light-welterweight contest, Omar Livaza (Kyrgyzstan) outclassed Sayat Ilyasov (Uzbekistan) with a 5–0 unanimous decision despite suffering a cut early in the bout. Livaza’s smooth movement and clean shot-making ensured he stayed ahead throughout all three rounds.

The Asian U-22 champion reflected on the victory with emotion and pride: “Today we had our first match — a tough fight against a strong opponent from Uzbekistan, and we made it through. Our fans’ support means everything as we push for more victories. When it comes to motivation, resources matter — and the IBA plays a major role here. The organization provides top-level support, and we are truly grateful for everything the IBA has done for our athletes and also thanks to our government. Here, only gold matters — only first place counts.”

Mozambique’s Tiago Muxanga Stuns Boltaev

One of the biggest upsets came in the light-middleweight division where Tiago Osorio Muxanga (Mozambique) defeated world No.4 Shavkatjon Boltaev (Uzbekistan) via bout review after an explosive contest filled with knockdowns and heavy exchanges.

The Olympian and Commonwealth Games silver medallist said:
**“I’m very happy right now. It hasn’t been an easy journey—Uzbekistan has some of the best amateur boxers in the world, and this was a tough fight. But I won, and now I’m ready for the next level.

This IBA tournament is very important to me because I want to change my life through boxing. I’m grateful to my coach and everyone in my corner for supporting me. Thank you to Mozambique, and thank you to God.

I also won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, which was a very important moment for me because it was my first major global competition. That experience helps me a lot here at the IBA tournament. The tournament is excellent—great organization, great people, great staff. Let’s go to the next level.”**

Featherweight Action: Dominance, Drama and Precision

The featherweight division showcased an array of talent:

• Andrei Peglivanian (Russia) stopped Patson Ledson (Malawi) in Round 2 after two standing counts.
• Pablo Vitor Fonseca De Jesus (Brazil) secured a unanimous 5–0 win against Ardit Murja (Albania) in a foul-ridden bout.
• Armando Sigauque (Mozambique) edged Ahmad Serat Jamal (Australia) by split decision.
• Orazbek Assylkulov (Kazakhstan) opened the evening session with a polished 5–0 win over Elisandro Sanches Da Silva (Cape Verde).

Katema Shines for Zambia

Zambia’s rising star Emmanuel Katema delivered a powerful performance, winning his featherweight bout by unanimous decision.

He shared an inspirational message after the win: “I’m very happy with this win. It hasn’t been easy. Many of my friends back home are on the streets doing wrong things, but boxing gave me a way out. I’ve been preparing for this tournament since 2024—just waiting for this moment. Being here is a dream come true.

Tournaments like this and the prize money help young fighters like me support our families and stay focused. I’m grateful to the Lord for helping me overcome my struggles, and now I’m fighting for the gold.”

Turbo-Powered Turkmenistan: Nurmuhammedov Forces RSC

Light-middleweight force Bayramdurdy Nurmuhammedov (Turkmenistan) produced a commanding RSC win over Alban Beqiri (Albania).

The 2023 Asian Games bronze medallist said: “In today’s IBA World Championship fight, I faced a challenging and experienced opponent from Albania. Thankfully, I achieved an early victory in the third round of this intense battle. I am striving to excel and become the IBA champion. IBA has done a great job and is always helping us boxers. No one like them.”

Kazakh Powerhouses Dominate Evening Session

Kazakhstan enjoyed a stellar night as two of their stars delivered emphatic wins:

• Yertugan Zeinulinov overwhelmed Davaadalai Altangerel (Mongolia) with three standing counts, sealing a 5–0 victory.
• Ablaikhan Zhussupov, known for his finesse and defensive mastery, produced a 5–0 shutout against Ararat Harutyunyan (Armenia) at light-middleweight.

More Highlights Across Divisions

• Ruslan Gafurov (Tajikistan) overcame a 4–1 first-round deficit to defeat Vladislav Vaskovskyi (Moldova) by bout review.
• Narek Hovhannisyan (Armenia) edged India’s Shubham Shubham (IBN) via split decision.
• Sergei Koldenkov (Russia) advanced after Yashpal (IBN-India) retired in Round 1.
• Jhan Carlos Ubarnes Urango (Colombia) outpointed Sibonelo Ndzimandze (Eswatini).
• Dovud Makhkamov (Tajikistan) took a 5–0 win over Othniel Muanda (DRC) in a rough contest.
• John Ume (Papua New Guinea) won by disqualification after an incident-filled showdown with Firas Tabii (Tunisia).
• Khusravkhon Rakhimov (Tajikistan) stopped Toka Litabe (Lesotho) with a crushing right hand.
• Ilia Popov (Russia) beat Spain’s Oier Ibarreche Conde 4–1 in a light-welterweight thriller.
• Ikhtiar Nishonov (Kyrgyzstan) blasted out Alex Skantzos (Australia) with a lightning-fast combination.

Closing Bouts: Style, Strategy and Sheer Heart

• Zhirayr Sargsyan (Armenia) stopped Hassani Ben Cheik (Comoros) in Round 3.
• Juliam Gabriel Ortiz (Puerto Rico) impressed with a strong late surge to beat Admilson Carvalho (Cape Verde).
• Ani Haxhillari (Albania) outworked David Karbas (Czech Republic) for a 5–0 win.
• Blessing Nziyana (South Africa) shocked Edson Araujo De Jesus (Brazil) with a powerful second-round stoppage.
• Witthaya Chansom (Thailand) defeated Arnold Gonzalez (IBA-PRO USA) by 4–1 split decision.