TANZANIA, GHANA BOXERS IN FRIDAY’S MOSCOW IBA CHAMPIONS NIGHT CARD
Yusuf Changalawe and Aminu Quarshie in tough fights against Russian boxers
Tanzania’s Yusufu Changarawe (1-0) will be hoping for an upset as he takes on Russia’s Cheerav Ashalaev in the 80kg division in the IBA Champions’ Night card on March 7 in Moscow.
Ashalaev made his IBA Pro debut in Sochi last year, where he defeated Shadiri Musa Bwogi of Uganda by a unanimous decision. Changarawe also made his professional debut at IBA Champions’ Night, winning by split decision against Peter Pita Kabeji from DR Congo over eight rounds in Addis Ababa.
It was Changalawe’s first win over Kabeji who had defeated him twice. The DR Congo boxer cried foul saying he was robbed of victory.
“I’m very grateful to IBA for giving me another chance to fight in Champions Night bouts, I’m confident of victory” Changalawe told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview. He leaves tonight for Moscow with coach Ayubu Mwanga.
“IBA Champions Night fights are very useful to us boxers because we’re investing for our future,” said the Tanzanian boxer who will feature in a six-round fight.
“The money I earned in Addis Ababa I’ve put it into good use, I’m now in the process of building two houses, one house for own use and the one for business.”
Friday’s card will be headlined by a 12-round title fight between Albert Batyrgaziev from Russia and Argentinian Neri Ariel Cruz Romero.
Batyrgaziev will defend his WBA Interim Super Featherweight title against “El Maldito” Romero, as the Argentinian looks to extend his 18-match professional winning streak with two knockouts in his past three matches.
Batyrgaziev, who is also an undefeated professional boxer with 11 victories to his name, became the WBA title holder in July last year with a win over Ireland’s Jono Carroll, before beating Albert Pagara in the fourth round in October. In December 2023, he was victorious against the Cuban Lazaro Alvarez to become the first IBA Pro title holder.
In the opening contest of the evening, in the 71kg division, Ghana’s Aminu Quarshie (6-0-2) looks to remain undefeated against Russian Shokhabbos Shukurov (6-1-0). Shukurov previously defeated Jamshidbek Tojiboev at IBA Champions’ Night in Dushanbe in October 2023.
Courtesy of IBA
