▪️As Yomna moved to the quarter-finals, six other African boxers including Algeria’s highly regarded Ichrak Chaib were sent packing

February 26, 2026

Egypt’s African Games bronze medallist Yomna Ayyad (pictured) saved Africa from further humiliation when she powered her way to the quarter-finals of the Strandja International Boxing Tournament on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Yomna beat Brazil’s Silva Rafaela Marques 4-1, and now meets tough Kazakhstan’s lightweight Rimma Volossenko in today’s quarter-finals.

A bantamweight bronze medallist at the 2023 African Games in Accra, Ghana, Yomna has now moved up to lightweight.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Yomna, the first Egyptian female boxer to qualify for the Olympics, was disqualified failing to make the bantamweight category by 700 grams. She therefore returned home without throwing a punch. She was due to fight tough Uzbek boxer Nigina Uktamova.

Yomna was the only African winner among the seven boxers in action on Day 3 of the Strandja International on February 25, 2026.

Two-time African Championships gold medallist and Solidarity Games champion Ichrak Chaib of Algeria was one of the six African losers, going down 5-0 to Turkey’s Berfin Kabak at welterweight. In all, four Algerian boxers were defeated, adding more miseries to the North Africans’ team.

Results of the African boxers at the Strandja International Tournament:

Women’s lightweight

Egypt’s Yomna Ayyad outpointed Brazil’s Silva Rafaela Marques 4-1

Algeria’s Melissa Hamda was beaten 5-0 by Ukraine’s Veronika Korets

Men’s lightweight

Egypt’s Hossam Seifel Yazal lost 5-0 to Azerbaijan’s Mahammadali Ashiraliyev

Women’s welterweight

Algeria’s Ichrak Chaib was beaten 5-0 by Turkey’s Berfin Kabak

Men’s light-heavyweight

Algeria’s Mustapha Abdou was beaten 5-0 by Bulgaria’s William Cholov

Men’s super-heavyweight

Algeria’s Abderrahim Magtaa lost 4-1 to Bulgaria’s Yordan Morejoh

Men’s light-heavyweight

Egypt’s Fares Elsharkawi narrowly lost 3-2 to Ukraine’s Dzhamal Kaliiev

boxersworld.co.ke

In 2015, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao broke records in one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in history.

Floyd Mayweather went on to win by unanimous decision, with two judges scoring it 116–112 and the other 118–110.

Now, they’re set to run it back, this September, making history yet again in the first-ever professional boxing match at Sphere in Las Vegas

Saturday, September 19

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25 February 2026

Katie Taylor will bring the curtain down on her decorated career with a farewell fight in Dublin this summer.

The two-weight undisputed world champion has not fought since she won her trilogy fight with Amanda Serrano in New York last July.

On Wednesday, the 39-year-old Irishwoman said she remains hopeful her swansong fight will take place at Croke Park.

“I just want to fight in Dublin to end my career,” she told RTE.

“Obviously we’re still hoping for Croke Park – we’re hanging on to a bit of hope that it can happen.

“If it doesn’t happen there are plenty of options there. I have obviously fought in the 3Arena a couple of times, the Aviva Stadium is also there.

“Croke Park would be top of the list.”

On her career, Taylor added: “It has been an amazing journey, the whole lot of it, over these last 20 years.

“I have had the highs and lows. It has been an incredible, remarkable career and I always wanted to end it here in Ireland.”

Courtesy www.bbc.com

▪️It’s a new beginning for boxing in the continent with the influential IBA Africa Interim President General Luyoyo promising to deliver and to use his wide network to compliment IBA’s financial support for boxing in Africa

February 26, 2026

A wave of excitement and exuberant joy engulfed Africa boxing on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, when International Boxing Association (IBA) President, Umar Kremlev, announced the appointment of DR Congo’s federation President, Ferdinand Ilunga Luyoyo, the head of the newly-created IBA Africa.

In his letter of appointment, President Kremlev said the IBA Board of Directors settled on General Luyoyo in recognition of his leadership qualities, charisma and contribution to Africa boxing development.

Here’s Kremlev’s letter of appointment dated February 25, 2026:

“Dear Mr. Illunga,

Following the recent decision of the IBA Board of Directors, I would like to extend you my sincere congratulations on your appointment as IBA Africa Interim President.

“In accordance with Article 49.2 of the IBA Constitution 2025, the Continental Unit Presidents for IBA Asia and IBA Africa are appointed by the Board and serve as Directors with immediate effect. In this capacity, you will assume full voting rights as a member of the IBA Board.

“I trust that, with your understanding of the needs and aspirations of African National Federations as well as your established network across the continent, you are well positioned to contribute positively to the continued development of boxing in Africa.

“Close and constructive cooperation with the IBA Continental Desk will be important to ensure strong coordination, transparency, and sound governance, enabling us to serve the African boxing family effectively and responsibly.

“I look forward to working with you in a spirit of unity and shared responsibility within the IBA family. Please accept my sincere best wishes for success in this important role. I am confident that, through collective effort and good governance, African boxing will continue to move forward with the leadership it deserves.”

General Luyoyo’s appointment follows IBA’s new management structure in which they have dissolved all five continental confederations.

In the new IBA Policy on Centralised Operations of Continental Units, the dissolved continental confederations have been replaced by Continental Units namely IBA Africa, IBA America, IBA Asia, IBA Europe and IBA Oceania.

A structure of the Continental Unit will include a Continental Unit President and other staff hired by the IBA to be responsible for managing and developing all forms of boxing in the Continental Units.

All the Continental Units will be under a single global operational structure known as IBA Continental Operations Desk (IBA COD) taking charge of former continental offices.

IBA COD assumes full responsibility for global adminstrative service delivery under the direct authority of the IBA Secretary-General & CEO Chris Roberts OBE on behalf of the IBA President.

General Luyoyo has accepted the appointment, promising to adhere to the new management structure which he said was long overdue in view of the leadership wrangles that have bedevilled Africa’s boxing management.

“I’m thrilled by my appointment as the Interim President IBA Africa. I thank IBA President Umar Kremlev and Secretary-General & CEO Chris Roberts for showing their confidence in my leadership. I promise I will deliver and also initiate my own development plans to compliment IBA’s support for Africa boxing,” said a jovial Luyoyo.

Born 53 years ago in Lubumbashi, General Luyoyo, who resides in DR Congo’s capital city Kinshasa, has emerged as a significant figure in the development of boxing in Africa.

A senior officer in DR Congo’s Police service, Luyoyo has served as the President of Congolese Boxing Federation from 2018 and was one time the Vice President of the defunct Africa Boxing Confederation (AFBC).

Luyoyo is held in high esteem by the boxing fraternity in DR Congo and Africa as a whole for his managerial accumen in organizing major events including the highly successful 2024 Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Africa Boxing Championships in Kinshasa.

He is also involved in promoting professional boxing through Luyoyo Promotions which was involved in the crowning of WBC Africa cruiserweight champion Makabu Ilunga who captured the vacant WBC Africa title with a third round KO victory over Egypt’s Wagdy Attia at the Stade de Martyrs in Kinshasa in 2024.

The IBA Africa Interim President is also the brainchild of the inaugural AFBC Pro Boxing Night staged early 2025 in Tunisia, the major aim being to financially empower Africa’s amateur boxers by taking part in pro boxing bouts.

In an interview with boxersworld.co.ke ahead of the Tunisia pro boxing show, Luyoyo said: “We have to start from somewhere, we can’t be relying on IBA to do everything for us. We must initiate and fund our own tournaments that can in future attract foreign boxers, we have the resources in Africa if properly tapped.”

Luyoyo has landed running in his new appointment. He’s now in the process of naming his IBA Africa team, and embark on preparations for the expected visit of celebrated former pro boxers, Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. They will battle it out in an exhibition match on April 25 in Kinshasa. The supporting bouts will feature some of Africa’s top amateur boxers.

The other important tournament Luyoyo will be charged with organising is the Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships. He has indicated an interest to stage it again in case other countries are unable to do so. Kinshasa will definitely be a fitting choice to celebrate his appointment as IBA Africa President.

▪️Kabwe has become Zambia’s first ever 3-Star referee and judge following Nairobi’s certification course in 2025 

February 25, 2026

For years, the sound of boxers trading leather and the electric atmosphere of local Zambian fight nights have been the soundtrack to Warrant Officer 1 Darius Kabwe’s life.

Kabwe, a dedicated Zambia National Service officer, walked into the boxing arena not just as an official, but with the pride of a nation on his shoulders. Known for his keen eye and authoritative, yet fair hand in the ring, he dreamt of reaching the pinnacle of international officiating.

Now he has fulfilled his dream, rising to the top of IBA officiating hierarchy after successfully going through a certification course held in 2025 in Nairobi during the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

“It’s one of the happiest moments in my life, I’m very happy for this big achievement, I worked hard for it,” Kabwe told boxersworld.co.ke

The journey to the IBA 3-Star Referee and Judge (R&J) certification was anything but easy. It required years of rigorous training, countless local bouts, and the mastery of complex, lightning-fast technical evaluations.

When the news finally broke that he had obtained the prestigious certification, it was a game changer for Zambia boxing.

Kabwe’s achievement was met with immense pride from the Zambia Boxing Federation (ZBF) and the entire sports fraternity.

ZBF Secretary-General, Humphrey Kasosolwa, said it directly puts Zambia on the map, ensuring that Zambian officials are respected, recognized, and trusted on the global stage.

“We are extremely happy with this development because it puts Zambia on the map. Having an IBA 3-Star Referee and Judge means our country is now visible and respected in global officiating structures,” Kasosolwa said, adding: “This certification puts our country in a position to be represented at the highest level of international boxing. It also makes it easier for Zambian officials to be recognized and trusted on the global stage.”

He went on: “Kabwe’s qualification opens doors not only for international assignments but also for the growth of local officiating standards.

“It will be easier now for him to be recognized and selected for major tournaments, and it sets a benchmark for other Zambian officials to aspire to.”

As a 3-Star R&J, Kabwe can now officiate in prestigious events such as the Olympic Games and World Championships.

His success has ignited inspiration across Zambia, raising the profile of local officiating and proving that with dedication, a Zambian R&J can stand among the best in the world.

Kabwe’s involvement with boxing is not accidental. He is a former boxer and knows the pain of a punch.

His boxing journey began in 1987 in Chambishi Town on the Copperbelt Province of Zambia.

“That is where my passion for the sport was born and where I laid the foundation for my career in boxing,” Kabwe told boxersworld.co.ke in a telephone interview from Lusaka.

“A close friend influenced me to join boxing, my first club was Chambeshi ABC and my first coaches were the late Manford Royd and his brother Patrick Royd.”

It did not take long for the determined Kabwe to climb through the ropes for his first competition at paperweight.

“That same year 1987 I took part in my first competition in Chilabombwe Copperbelt and I won. I then moved to Lusaka in 1993 and joined the Green Eagles Boxing Club of Zambia National Service. My coach was the late Laston Mukobe.

“I continued competing actively until 2005. My final fight was at the World Military Games in Pretoria, South Africa, where I lost in the light-heavyweight quarter-finals against the late Kenyan Joseph Ndere. That bout marked the end of my career as an active boxer.” Besides paperweight and light-heavyweight, Kabwe also fought at bantam, lightweight and light-welterweight.

In 2007, Kabwe, now Warrant Officer One with Zambia National Service , was appointed assistant club coach, transitioning from being a boxer to developing other upcoming pugilists.

His journey in boxing, however, did not stop there.

When Zambia hosted the Region Five Games for Southern Region countries in 2012, the Zambia Boxing Federation organized a National Referees and Judges course.

“I enrolled, successfully completed the course, and was selected to officiate at the Region Five Games. That opportunity gave me the confidence to pursue officiating seriously as a Referee and Judge,” said Kabwe with a deserved sense of pride.

He was still determined to move higher in the international officiating ranks. In 2017, he obtained 1-Star Referee and Judge certification in Sudan. Two years later he upgraded to 2-Star level in Gaborone, Botswana.

In 2025, he financed his trip to Kenya to attend 3-Star certification course held concurrently with the Africa Zone 3 Championships.

“I’m happy I passed my exams to successfully attain the prestigious 3-Star Referee and Judge certification,” said Kabwe.

“I feel very proud for this achievement becoming the first Zambian to attain the 3-Star Referee and Judge status — a historic milestone for both myself and Zambian boxing.”

Kabwe has now set the bar higher for other R&Js in Zambia to work harder to emulate him. We wish Kabwe all the best hoping to see him at the IBA World Championships rubbing shoulders with best R&Js in the world.

▪️Sierra Leone’s coach William Brereton cries foul citing questionable officiating. “My boxer won last two rounds 3-2 how she lost is not convincing,” says Josefien’s coach

February 25, 2026

It was a painful day for African boxers with all seven of them in action swept away by a tidal wave of punches on Day Two of the 77th edition of Strandja International Tournament in Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

In what is likened to a powerful tsunami, the loss of the seven boxers left a trail of broken spirits and shattered dreams in its wake.

The seven casualties included four Algerian boxers who were overwhelmed by their opponents’ swirling force of power despite putting up a lot of resistance.

Sierra Leone’s coach William Brereton is surprised his boxer, Josefien Betist, lost 3-2 points despite winning the last two rounds in the lightweight bout against Romania’s Claudia Nechita.

“We won, that was bad decision,” Brereton told boxersworld.co.ke in a telephone interview from Sofia, wondering how they lost yet Josefien won the last two rounds.

“I genuinely thought she won the fight. Score card reads she lost the first round 4-1 which she did enough to take the round. Josefien won the last two rounds 3-2, winning two out three rounds on judges cards but surprisingly lost the bout 3-2 because of Judges going different ways in different rounds. Her opponent was holding a lot. Overall great experience we move on.”

The first victim in the annihilation was Algeria’s twice silver medallist in the Africa Elite Championships, Fatiha Mansouri, who was beaten 4-1 by Uzbekistan’s Zhazira Urakbayeva in women’s flyweight while Egypt’s Aly Habiba lost 4-1 to Bulgaria’s Poptoleva Venelina in another women’s flyweight bout.

Algeria’s female light-middleweight Djouher Benane was no match for Germany’s Leonie Muller going down 5-0.

Egypt’s men’s bantamweight Amir Kelany was beaten 5-0 by Ukraine’s Maksym Zymenko, Algeria’s women’s bantamweight Douaa Rovaz lost 5-0 to England’s Lauren Mackie with Algeria’s men’s heavyweight Oussama Arbia Mohamed beaten 5-0 by Ukraine’s Bogdan Tolmachov.

The second day of the tournament was most successful for the Kazakhstan national team. Victories were achieved in both the women’s (54 kg, 70 kg) and men’s categories (55 kg, 65 kg, 85 kg, and 90 kg). Boxers from Uzbekistan earned seven victories.

Full Results of Day Two – Strandja Cup 2026 (February 24)

51 kg — Women (Round of 32)

Maki Klotzer (Germany) – Gulsevar Ganieva (Uzbekistan) 5:0

Daina Moorhouse (Ireland) – Mungunsaran Balsan (Mongolia) 3:2

Zhazira Urakbayeva (Kazakhstan) – Fatiha Mansouri (Algeria) 4:1

Jennifer Lozano (USA) – Feruza Kazakova (Uzbekistan) 1:4

Venelina Poptoleva (Bulgaria) – Habiba Ali (Egypt) 4:1

Eda Nur Kilicci (Turkey) – Kelsey Oakley (England) 0:5

Anita Adisheva (Kazakhstan) – Kaitlyn Fryers (Ireland) 0:5

54 kg — Women (Round of 16)

Tala Habbas (Bulgaria) – Zhayna Shekerbekova (Kazakhstan) 0:5

Yoselin Perez (USA) – Tatiana Obermayer (Germany) 5:0

Lauren Mackie (England) – Duaa Rouaz (Algeria) 5:0

Helen Jones (Wales) – Jennifer Lehane (Ireland) 0:5

Enkhjargal Munguntsetseg (Mongolia) – Anel Sakysh (Kazakhstan) 0:5

Inna Statkevych (Ukraine) – Ana Livia Linhares (Brazil) 2:3

Monique Suraci (Australia) – Elina Bazarova (Kazakhstan) 1:4

Aysen Taskin (Turkey) – Uzukamol Yunusova (Uzbekistan) 5:0

60 kg — Women (Round of 32)

Kelly McLaughlin (Ireland) – Gizem Ozer (Turkey) 0:5

Lucy Kings-Whittley (England) – Rebeca de Lima Santos (Brazil) 2:3

Claudia Nechita (Romania) – Jozefin Betist (Slovenia) 3:2

 65 kg — Women (Round of 32)

Andra Crinuta Sebe (Romania) – Carlotta Schunemann (Germany) 4:1

70 kg — Women (Round of 16)

Lekisha Pergoliti (Australia) – Oysha Toirova (Uzbekistan) 5:0

Leonie Müller (Germany) – Jouher Benane (Algeria) 5:0

Evelyn Igharo (Ireland) – Chantelle Reid (England) 2:3

Madina Nursheva (Kazakhstan) – Dilara Sak (Turkey) 4:1

55 kg — Men (Round of 16)

Zidan Hunbatov (Azerbaijan) – Zhirayr Sargsyan (Armenia) 5:0

Amir Kelani (Egypt) – Maksym Zimenko (Ukraine) 0:5

Lado Karchava (Georgia) – Baran Kirkgozler (Turkey) 0:5

Yasen Radev (Bulgaria) – Meylis Shaduddiyev (Turkmenistan) 5:0

Abdulaziz Abdunazarov (Uzbekistan) – Baglan Kenzhibek (Kazakhstan) 0:5

Gor Ayvazyan (Georgia) – Bilguunsaikhan Kharkhuu (Mongolia) WO

Lorenzo Patricio (USA) – Timur Kabdeshov (Kazakhstan) 4:1

Samandar Olimov (Uzbekistan) – Ali El Sari (Germany) 5:0

 65 kg — Men (Round of 32)

Maksud Khasmetov (Azerbaijan) – Patrise Mugalzai (England) 2:3

Abdikarim Abdigalym (Kazakhstan) – Abdulloh Madaminov (Uzbekistan) 0:5

Dean Clancy (Ireland) – Enes Refik Ciftci (Turkey) RSC R1 1:07 | Win for Dean Clancy (Ireland)

Enkhtur Tegshjargal (Mongolia) – Yuri Falcao Reis (Brazil) 1:4

Zaur Gakhramanov (Azerbaijan) – Ilya Kalinin (Kazakhstan) 1:4

Lasha Gagnidze (Georgia) – Victorio Iliev (Bulgaria) 4:1

Malik Hasanov (Azerbaijan) – Giacomo Giannotti (Italy) 4:0 R2 1:42

Yigit Us (Turkey) – Marcus Luther (USA) | RSC R2 2:51, win for Marcus Luther (USA)

Yertugan Zeinullinov (Kazakhstan) – Jason Nevin (Ireland) 3:1

85 kg — Men (Round of 16)

Akmaljon Isroilov (Uzbekistan) – Nathan Ojo (Ireland) 5:0

Saba Kvinikadze (Georgia) – Sultanbek Aibaruly (Kazakhstan) 0:5

Razvan Ciobanu (Romania) – Rahat Mollamuradov (Turkmenistan) | Razvan Ciobanu (Romania) did not appear

Danylo Zhasan (Ukraine) – Daniel Komarek (Czech Republic) 5:0

Norbek Abdullaev (Uzbekistan) – Matei Nastasyuk (Romania) 5:0

Michael Deruish (Austria) – Kristian Dimitrov (Bulgaria) 0:5

Matvii Razhba (Ukraine) – Samet Ersoy (Turkey) 5:0

Paolo Caruso (Italy) – Bekzat Tangatar (Kazakhstan) 2:3

90 kg — Men (Round of 16)

Isaias Santos Ribeiro Filho (Brazil) – Jack Marley (Ireland) 5:0

Turabek Khabibullaev (Uzbekistan) – Teagan Stott (England) RSC R2 2:50 | Win for Turabek Khabibullaev (Uzbekistan)

Daulet Tulemissov (Kazakhstan) – Semion Boldyrev (Bulgaria) 5:0

Jorge Luis Maieta (Romania) – Joseph Avignon (USA) 0:5

Taulant Jakupi (Kosovo) – Dean Nwokedi Chime (Italy) 0:5

Bogdan Tolmachov (Ukraine) – Mohamed Oussama Arbia (Algeria) 5:0

Samir Sobirov (Uzbekistan) – Vitalii Walter (Germany) 5:0

Roselin Bachevski (Bulgaria) – Nurmagamed Yusupov (Kazakhstan) DSQ R1 1:42 | Win for Nurmagamed Yusupov (Kazakhstan)

Full results courtesy of sportaran.com

▪️Four Algerian boxers including twice Africa Elite Championships silver medallist Fatiha Mansouri (pictured) lead Africa’s onslaught 

February 24, 2026

It’s Day Two in the 77th Strandja Memorial Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria, often referred to as the “mini World Championship.”

The tournament serves as a fierce battlefield for elite boxers, and in today’s action seven African boxers are determined to test themselves against the world’s best.

Amidst the European and Asian dominance, several African boxers are expected to make their mark with grit and skill.

Among the seven African boxers in action are two-time silver medallist in the Africa Elite Championships, Algeria’s Fatiha Mansouri and Sierra Leone’s prominent lightweight Josefien Betist.

Here’s the seven African boxers fighting today

Flyweight (W)

Fatiha Mansouri (Algeria) vs Zhazira Urakbayeva (Uzbekistan)

Aly Habiba (Egypt) vs Poptoleva Venelina (Bulgaria)

Light-middleweight (W)

Djouher Benane (Algeria) vs Leonie Muller (Germany)

Bantamweight (M)

Amir Kelany (Egypt) vs Maksym Zymenko (Ukraine)

Bantamweight (W)

Douaa Rouaz (Algeria) vs Lauren Mackie (England)

Lightweight (W)

Josefien Betist (Sierra Leone) vs Claudia Nechita (Romania)

Heavyweight (M)

Oussama Arabia Mohamed (Algeria) vs Bogdan Tolmachov (Ukraine)

boxersworld.co.ke

▪️Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Ireland and Armenia boxers shine on the opening day of this prestigious tournament

February 24, 2026

Egyptian team had a split opening day, with one boxer securing a win and another falling in their respective bout on Day One of the 77th Strandja Memorial International Boxing Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Solidarity Games light-middleweight champion Ahmed Hekal was outpointed 4-1 by Byramdurdy Nurmuhammedov of Turkmenistan while light-heavyweight Fares Elsharkawi moved to the pre-quarters defeating Romania’s Petrica Muset Eduard. The referee stopped the bout at 1:59 of the third round due to the Romanian boxer sustaining an injury.

The first day of the 77th International Tournament “Strandja Cup 2026” turned out to be intense and productive. Boxers from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa contested 56 bouts across eight weight categories — from 50 kg to over 90 kg.

During the day, the following were recorded:
— 2 wins by knockout (KO)
— 2 referee stoppages due to injury (RSC-I)
— The majority of bouts ended in victories on points

On the opening day, representatives of more than 20 countries entered the ring. The highest number of victories was achieved by athletes from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ireland, and Armenia, confirming the high level of preparation of these national teams.

Armenian boxers secured 4 wins in 5 bouts. However, there was also a controversial judging decision in one of the fights involving an Armenian boxer

All Results of Day 1 of the Strandja Cup 2026 (February 23)

Weight category up to 50 kg (Flyweight)

Asilbek Jalilov (Uzbekistan)
def. Bekzat Aldamzharov (Kazakhstan) — 5:0

Rudolf Garboan (Armenia)
def. Resul Arslanov (Turkmenistan) — 5:0

Bilalhabashi Nazarov (Azerbaijan)
def. Louis Rooney (Ireland) — 4:1

Siyovush Muhammadiyev (Ukraine)
def. Iliya Kalchev (Bulgaria) — 4:1

Battulga Aldarkhishig (Mongolia)
def. Ergunal Sebahtin (Bulgaria) — 5:0

Weight Category up to 55 kg (Bantamweight)

Baglan Kenzhibek (Kazakhstan)
def. Nijat Huseynov (Azerbaijan) — 5:0

Gor Ayvazyan (Georgia)
def. Semih Gumus (Turkey) — 5:0

Bilguunsaikhan Kharkhuu (Mongolia)
def. Oleg Chulyacheev (Ukraine) — 5:0

Lorenzo Patricio (USA)
def. Michael Douglas Trindade da Silva (Brazil) — 3:2

Timur Kabdeshov (Kazakhstan)
def. Paddy Joyce (Ireland) — 5:0

Samandar Olimov (Uzbekistan)
def. Elmir Nabiyev (Ukraine) — 5:0

Ali El Sari (Germany)
def. Zalimkhan Suleymanov (Azerbaijan) — 5:0

*Weight category up to 60 kg (Lightweight)*

Mahammadali Ashiraliyev (Azerbaijan)
def. Michele Baldassi (Italy) — 3:2

Salim Ellis-Bey (USA)
def. Ruslan Kuzeubaev (Kazakhstan) — 3:2

Artur Bazeyan (Armenia)
def. Adam Hession (Ireland) — 4:1

Lundaa Gantumur (Mongolia)
def. Biibars Zheksen (Kazakhstan) — 4:1

Luiz Gabriel Nascimento Oliveira (Brazil)
def. Mahammad Gasimzada (Azerbaijan) — 5:0

Selahattin Cinibulak (Turkey)
def. Abdurakhmon Makhmudjonov (Uzbekistan) — 3:2

William Hewitt (England)
def. Giorgi Kapanadze (Georgia) — 5:0

Ramon Santos da Conceicao (Brazil)
def. Giuseppe Canonico (Italy) — 5:0

Owain Harris-Allan (Wales)
def. Tolga Kaya (Turkey) — 4:1

Radoslav Rosenov (Bulgaria)
def. Tagi Nasibov (Azerbaijan) — 4:1

Alen Rustomovski (North Macedonia)
def. Vasile Scalco (Romania) — 5:0

Buyandalai Bayarkhuu (Mongolia)
def. Jude Gallagher (Ireland) — 3:2

Mohamed Siala (Germany)
def. Jeronimo Saint-Louis (Haiti) — 5:0

*Weight category up to 70 kg (Light Middleweight)*

Randy Botikali (Germany)
def. Shpetim Bajoku (Kosovo) — 5:0

Farukh Tokhtasunov (Kazakhstan)
def. Arsen Chabyan (Austria) — 5:0

Bayramdurdy Nurmuhammedov (Turkmenistan)
def. Ahmed Hekal (Egypt) — 4:1

Terry McEntee (Ireland)
def. Ahmet Pekel (Turkey) — 5:0

Kaian Oliveira Reis (Brazil)
def. Daniel Adrian Grigorie (Romania) — 5:0

Magomed Shakhidov (Germany)
def. Tihomir Zaykov (Bulgaria) — 5:0

Byamba-Erdene Otgonbaatar (Mongolia)
def. Alexey Shiryaev (Bulgaria) — 4:1

Harutyun Hakobkokhyan (Armenia)
def. Kelvin Sokuessa (Czech Republic) — 3:2

Lavant Brownlee (USA)
def. Luka Nikabadze (Georgia) — 5:0

Muhammadsabyr Bazarbay uulu (Kazakhstan)
def. Abdulaziz Zhurakulov (Uzbekistan) — 5:0

John McConnell (Ireland)
def. Gianluigi Malanga (Italy) — 4:1

Weight category up to 75 kg (Middleweight)

Marat Mikayelyan (Armenia)
def. Stelian Strahilov (Bulgaria) — 5:0

Gabriele Guidi Rontanti (Italy)
def. Giorgi Natroshvili (Georgia) — 4:1

Orlando Holley-Sotomi (Wales)
def. Alperen Yilmaz (Turkey) — 4:1

Fazliddin Erkinboev (Uzbekistan)
def. Dalai Ganzorig (Mongolia) — 5:0

Weight category up to 80 kg (Light Heavyweight)

Cristian Sarsilli (Italy)
def. Yazmyrat Babishev (Turkmenistan) — 5:0

Lucky Aimuafua (Austria)
def. Emre Parlak (Turkey) — 5:0

Luka Matchutadze (Georgia)
def. Mert Aybuga (Turkey) — 3:1

Jamal Kuliev (Ukraine)
def. Anvar Nasredinov (Cameroon) — 5:0

Fares Elsharkawi (Egypt)
*def. Eduard Petrica Muset (Romania) — RSC-I, Round 3 (1:59)*
*(referee stopped contest due to injury)*

Dimeji Shittu (England)
def. Daniel Pitt (Wales) — 5:0

Josh Olaniyan (Ireland)
def. Murad Allahverdiyev (Azerbaijan) — 5:0

Robbie Gonzalez (USA)
def. Dias Molzhigitov (Kazakhstan) — 4:1

Wanderley de Souza Pereira (Brazil)
def. Kelyn Cassidy (Ireland) — KO, Round 2 (0:55)

Kaua dos Santos Bellini (Brazil)
def. Sanzhar-Ali Begaliev (Kazakhstan) — 5:0

Javokhir Ummataliev (Uzbekistan)
def. Nikolay Dishkov (Bulgaria) — 5:0

*Weight category up to 90 kg (Heavyweight)*

Samir Sobirov (Uzbekistan)
def. Yunus Emre Taskin (Turkey) — 5:0

Vitaliy Walter (Germany)
def. Stoyan Petrov (Bulgaria) — ABD, Round 2
(opponent retired)

Roselin Bachevski (Bulgaria)
def. Narek Manasyan (Armenia) — 3:2
(on a tied score, victory awarded by preference)

Nurmagamed Yussupov (Kazakhstan)
def. Connor Williams (Wales) — 4:0

*Weight category over 90 kg (Super Heavyweight)*

Dimitar Dimitrov (Bulgaria)
def. Sabuhi Alizada (Azerbaijan) — RSC-I, Round 1 (2:17)
(referee stopped contest due to injury)

Courtesy sportaran.com

Boxing greats Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have agreed a professional rematch in September.

24/02/2026

Pacquiao, 47, and Mayweather, 48, will fight at Sphere in Las Vegas on Saturday, 19 September, with the bout live on Netflix.

Former world champion Mayweather announced he would come out of retirement for a fourth time last week.

It will be the American’s first professional fight since beating mixed martial arts fight Conor McGregor with a 10th-round technical knockout in 2017.

Filipino Pacquiao retired from the sport to focus on his political career in 2021 but returned to the ring last July to fight WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, who retained his title after a draw.

Mayweather and Pacquiao first met in 2015, in what was billed as the ‘Fight of the Century’ and remains the richest in boxing history.

It was Mayweather who emerged victorious, beating Pacquiao via a wide unanimous decision in Las Vegas.

It is not yet known over how many rounds or at what weight class the rematch will be contested.

Pacquiao, winner of 12 world titles across eight weight classes, said: “Floyd and I gave the world what remains the biggest fight in boxing history.

“The fans have waited long enough. They deserve this rematch.

“I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him.”

Mayweather, who turns 49 on Tuesday, said: “I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result.”

Mayweather has won all 50-0 of his professional fights, with 27 coming by knockout.

He has had a string of exhibition bouts since retiring in 2017 and is scheduled to face Mike Tyson this year.

That is set to be former undisputed world heavyweight champion Tyson’s first fight since the American ended his 19-year retirement in November in a controversial defeat by Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

Announcing the end of his retirement on Saturday, Mayweather said: “From my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards: no-one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event than my events.”

Pacquiao, who has 62 wins from his 73 bouts, said in October that the pair were close to agreeing a rematch – but added it was dependent on he and Mayweather being able to “understand each other”.

Their previous meeting in 2015 generated a record 4.6 million pay-per-view buys and a record live gate of $72m at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Full details regarding the undercard and ticket availability will be announced in the coming weeks.

Courtesy bbc.com

▪️“It is important to acknowledge the proud and tireless efforts of our President, Mr Umar Kremlev, whose passion for the development of global boxing continues to influence the organisation’s direction. His energy, outreach, and commitment to providing pathways for athletes and national federations remain essential pillars of our shared work,” says IBA Secretary-General & CEO Chris Roberts

February 24, 2026

IBA Secretary General & CEO’s Message

By Chris Roberts OBE
International Boxing Association (IBA)

As Secretary General and CEO of the International Boxing Association, it is both a responsibility and a privilege to address our global boxing family at a time of continued evolution across the international sporting landscape.

The period ahead presents significant opportunity for growth, unity, and renewed purpose. It also demands professionalism, diligence, and the collective commitment of every individual who contributes to the delivery and development of our sport.

IBA remains steadfast in its mission to provide an athlete‑centred platform for the boxing community worldwide. Our work is driven by the belief that the values of discipline, resilience, and fairness, values inherent in boxing, must also guide the governance and operations of our organisation.

Recent changes to the IBA Constitution are set to underpin more robust and streamlined operational effectiveness, ensuring both delivery and fiscal management are optimised. We continue to remain acutely aware of the requirements necessary for success, always linking our efforts to the needs and expectations of our audience. This commitment guides our ongoing progress and shapes our priorities for the future.

Strengthening our path through professionalism and expertise

The strength of the IBA lies not only in its competitions but in the diverse team of professionals who support its daily operations. From logistics and event delivery to legal, governance, administration and international relations functions, our workforce reflects a breadth of expertise essential for navigating the complexities of this modern sport.

We continue to rely on:

▪️Strengthening our path through professionalism and expertise
▪️At the core of our progress are individuals whose dedication often goes unnoticed. They remain humble, the unsung heroes behind every achievement, quietly ensuring the success and integrity of the organisation.
▪️Administrative expertise at the heart of the IBA’s ongoing mission lies a dedicated administrative team, whose organisational skills and attention to detail underpin every successful initiative.
▪️Diplomatic specialists who bring the cultural awareness and international engagement skills needed in today’s connected environment, and who understand the geopolitical dynamics that influence sport globally.
▪️Graduates and professionals whose perspectives strengthen our long-term capacity.
▪️Specialists in sports management and development who deliver top quality, impactful programmes and events while maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and innovation.
▪️World-leading sports lawyers who anchor our governance, compliance, and integrity frameworks in international best practice.
▪️Communication experts who ensure that our vision, achievements, and values are clearly articulated. Their ability to foster meaningful dialogue and build relationships both within and beyond the boxing community is essential to driving engagement and trust.
This combination of experience and emerging talent allows the IBA to operate with confidence and credibility.

Recognising leadership and dedication

It is important to acknowledge the proud and tireless efforts of our President, Mr Umar Kremlev, whose passion for the development of global boxing continues to influence the organisation’s direction. His energy, outreach, and commitment to providing pathways for athletes and national federations remain essential pillars of our shared work.

Under his leadership, the IBA has expanded opportunities for participation, strengthened its presence in new regions, and upheld the principle that boxing must remain accessible to all.

A year of important events and meaningful milestones

As we look ahead, the IBA is preparing to deliver a dynamic and ambitious competition calendar across all levels of the sport.

Continental Championships

Our upcoming continental events will continue to serve as foundational competitions for elite and developing athletes alike. These championships foster regional pride, enhance technical standards, and ensure wide representation across the global boxing pathway.

Launch of the IBA International Boxing League

A new addition to the IBA calendar, the International Boxing League, will be introduced mid-year. This exciting project is designed to promote team identity, national spirit, and innovative presentation formats that resonate with our modern audiences.

A celebration aligned with the IBA Congress 2026

Looking further ahead, we anticipate a significant celebration of boxing to coincide with the IBA Congress 2026, bringing together leaders, athletes, officials, and partners in a unified demonstration of the sport’s global strength.

These events reflect the IBA’s commitment to excellence, access, and the continuous enhancement of competition structures.

Our commitment moving forward

As an organisation, we are fully aware of the challenges that accompany change within the international sporting environment. Yet we remain confident in our direction and resolute in our obligations.

The IBA will continue to prioritise:

▪️Good governance and operational transparency
Athlete welfare, development, and opportunity
▪️The professionalisation of our administrative and technical structures
▪️Effective global engagement and partnership building
▪️The delivery of world-class competitions at every level
▪️Our focus remains on building trust, reinforcing stability, and ensuring that boxing is represented with integrity on every stage.

Conclusion

The future of the IBA will be defined by the quality of our work, the strength of our relationships, and the professionalism of our people. I am proud of the team that serves this organisation daily, and grateful for the continued dedication of our President, national federations, athletes, coaches, officials, and staff.

In addition to our core initiatives, we recognise that our work within the sports ecosystem encompasses far more than what happens inside the ring. We continually evaluate all aspects of our operations, ensuring that we cater to the interests and passions of our global audiences both on and off the field of play. This holistic approach allows us to foster deeper engagement and broaden the appeal of the sport worldwide.

Together, we will continue building a stronger, more unified, and more resilient International Boxing Association; one that honours the sport’s heritage while embracing its future with confidence.