Philippines, 21 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Eight Boxers Remain in WBC Grand Prix Finals On December 20

PhilBoxing.com




Boxing history will be made on December 20 as the Boxing Grand Prix Finals take center stage—the first tournament-style championship of its kind in professional boxing, organized by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and backed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sports, the General Entertainment Authority, and His Excellency Turki Alalshikh.

After eight months of fierce competition, four knockout stages, over 120 fighters from more than 40 countries, and unprecedented technological innovation, the tournament will culminate with eight finalists who have captivated the boxing world.

“The finalists take home much more than over $200,000 in prize money and the José Sulaimán trophy: They earn a World Boxing Council ranking, the chance to fight for the Silver Title, and will undoubtedly receive a flood of offers from promoters for promotional contracts and boxing stardom,” said Mauricio Sulaimán, President of the World Boxing Council.

“Those who are already participating in these Finals are very popular in their respective countries and have increased their international exposure as well.”

A new format that aims to transform boxing

Born from the vision of legendary WBC president José Sulaimán and brought to life by current president Mauricio Sulaimán, the Boxing Grand Prix aims to transform and improve upon boxing’s traditional structure by introducing:

• Single-elimination bouts

• Open scoring system with instant replay technology

• The groundbreaking “WBC Enhanced Scoring System” featuring qualitative round-by-round assessments

• Five judges in advanced stages to minimize potential controversy

This system has elevated the showcase while pioneering new standards of transparency and establishing the tournament as a new benchmark for the sport of boxing

The finalists: Eight stories, four crowns, and one shared dream

The finalists competing for the José Sulaimán Trophy—the “Flame of Hope”—embody the tournament’s global spirit. Each has traveled a path marked by sacrifice, talent, and determination in pursuit of their aspirations and dreams.

Featherweight

Muhamet Qamili (Italy/Albania) – 25 years old – 17-0-1 (8 KOs)

A technically disciplined, durable boxer with a relentless pressure style. He advances to the finals following a spectacular knockout in the semifinals.

Brandon Mejía (Mexico) – 21 years old – 12-0 (10 KOs)

The breakout star of the tournament. From food delivery driver to rising national hero, his power and aggression have made him a fan favorite.

________________________________________

Super Lightweight

Carlos Utria (Colombia) – 22 years old – 13-0 (11 KOs)

Already a hometown hero in Soplaviento, his devastating power and technical mastery have him on the verge of making history for his country.

Mujibillo Tursunov (Uzbekistan) – 25 years old – 9-0 (8 KOs)

Amateur Asian champion and a technical stylist with a warrior’s heart. He’s overcome tough battles and arrives with solid, disciplined boxing.

________________________________________

Middleweight

Dylan Biggs (Australia) – 23 years old – 17-1 (9 KOs)

Ring control, counterpunching power, and an ironclad mentality. His last two fights were a masterclass in consistency.

Derek Pomerleau (Canada) – 25 years old – 15-0 (11 KOs)

One of the most technical boxers in the tournament, known for his precision and adaptability. Aims to become the new face of Canadian boxing.

________________________________________

Heavyweight

Kevin Ramírez (Argentina) – 25 years old – 11-0-2 (4 KOs)

From sweeping streets in Buenos Aires to world championship contender. A natural cruiserweight with knockout power and the ability to devastate anyone with a single blow while showcasing fierce determination and the heart of an Argentine star.

Ahmed Krnjić (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – 28 years old – 7-0 (4 KOs)

The tournament’s technical giant. Standing at 6’7″ with exemplary mobility and precision, he aims to become his region’s first Grand Prix champion.

A night that will change everything

The December 20th Finals represent:

• The conclusion of a tournament already hailed as a landmark in boxing history

• The rise of new global stars

• The fulfillment of a decades-long dream.Boxing history will be made on December 20 as the Boxing Grand Prix Finals take center stage—the first tournament-style championship of its kind in professional boxing, organized by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and backed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sports, the General Entertainment Authority, and His Excellency Turki Alalshikh.

After eight months of fierce competition, four knockout stages, over 120 fighters from more than 40 countries, and unprecedented technological innovation, the tournament will culminate with eight finalists who have captivated the boxing world.

“The finalists take home much more than over $200,000 in prize money and the José Sulaimán trophy: They earn a World Boxing Council ranking, the chance to fight for the Silver Title, and will undoubtedly receive a flood of offers from promoters for promotional contracts and boxing stardom,” said Mauricio Sulaimán, President of the World Boxing Council.

“Those who are already participating in these Finals are very popular in their respective countries and have increased their international exposure as well.”

A new format that aims to transform boxing

Born from the vision of legendary WBC president José Sulaimán and brought to life by current president Mauricio Sulaimán, the Boxing Grand Prix aims to transform and improve upon boxing’s traditional structure by introducing:

• Single-elimination bouts

• Open scoring system with instant replay technology

• The groundbreaking “WBC Enhanced Scoring System” featuring qualitative round-by-round assessments

• Five judges in advanced stages to minimize potential controversy

This system has elevated the showcase while pioneering new standards of transparency and establishing the tournament as a new benchmark for the sport of boxing

The finalists: Eight stories, four crowns, and one shared dream

The finalists competing for the José Sulaimán Trophy—the “Flame of Hope”—embody the tournament’s global spirit. Each has traveled a path marked by sacrifice, talent, and determination in pursuit of their aspirations and dreams.

Featherweight

Muhamet Qamili (Italy/Albania) – 25 years old – 17-0-1 (8 KOs)

A technically disciplined, durable boxer with a relentless pressure style. He advances to the finals following a spectacular knockout in the semifinals.

Brandon Mejía (Mexico) – 21 years old – 12-0 (10 KOs)

The breakout star of the tournament. From food delivery driver to rising national hero, his power and aggression have made him a fan favorite.

________________________________________

Super Lightweight

Carlos Utria (Colombia) – 22 years old – 13-0 (11 KOs)

Already a hometown hero in Soplaviento, his devastating power and technical mastery have him on the verge of making history for his country.

Mujibillo Tursunov (Uzbekistan) – 25 years old – 9-0 (8 KOs)

Amateur Asian champion and a technical stylist with a warrior’s heart. He’s overcome tough battles and arrives with solid, disciplined boxing.

________________________________________

Middleweight

Dylan Biggs (Australia) – 23 years old – 17-1 (9 KOs)

Ring control, counterpunching power, and an ironclad mentality. His last two fights were a masterclass in consistency.

Derek Pomerleau (Canada) – 25 years old – 15-0 (11 KOs)

One of the most technical boxers in the tournament, known for his precision and adaptability. Aims to become the new face of Canadian boxing.

________________________________________

Heavyweight

Kevin Ramírez (Argentina) – 25 years old – 11-0-2 (4 KOs)

From sweeping streets in Buenos Aires to world championship contender. A natural cruiserweight with knockout power and the ability to devastate anyone with a single blow while showcasing fierce determination and the heart of an Argentine star.

Ahmed Krnjić (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – 28 years old – 7-0 (4 KOs)

The tournament’s technical giant. Standing at 6’7″ with exemplary mobility and precision, he aims to become his region’s first Grand Prix champion.

A night that will change everything

The December 20th Finals represent:

• The conclusion of a tournament already hailed as a landmark in boxing history

• The rise of new global stars

• The fulfillment of a decades-long dream.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Barrios vs Garcia: Where Art Thou Ryan Garcia?
    By Chris Carlson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Pacman bout details revealed
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • IIEE to defend Billiard crown in PTC World 2026, World Champ Magpantay is PSA Awardee
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Wood-Warrington II Press Conference Quotes: Everything that Was Said Ahead of Saturday's Sold-Out Rematch in Nottingham
    , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Opponents for Rising Stars Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. and Curmel Moton on Feb. 28 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York
    , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Rising Star Promotions Returns to Prudential Center April 10 LIVE ON PROBOX TV
    , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Sante Barley Trilogy Leg 1 on March 29 in Azuela
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Team Rapid chess tourney goes to Pasay City on March 8 By Marlon Bernardino
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • 3rd Horse Show & competition scheduled on February 21-22
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • Robinsons Bacolod Chess Festival set
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Alex Bray Set for WBA Continental Latin American Title Clash February 20 in Orlando
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Calls out Jai Opetaia
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • BREAKING NEWS: DAZN AND MATCHROOM BOXING SIGN NEW FIVE-YEAR DEAL
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • 75 climbers start trekking to Mt. Apo today
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • 4 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Erik Morales Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Dainier Pero Locked In Ahead of WBA Continental USA Title Defense in Orlando
    , Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • A Milestone Birthday: Celebrating Brico Santig's 50 Years of Dedication, and Triumph
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • PH bet Chezka Centeno finishes 2nd in Florida
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • ARNOLD BARBOZA JR. AND KENNETH SIMS JR. SET FOR HIGH-STAKES CLASH IN CAN’T-MISS MAIN EVENT ON DAZN
    , Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • CALLUM SMITH VS DAVID MORRELL MEGA FIGHT SET FOR APRIL 18 IN LIVERPOOL AS PAT BROWN HEADLINES IN HIS HOMETOWN ON APRIL 3
    , Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Youth High Performance Selection Camp Attendees Announced
    , Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • Rapid chessfest gets underway February 22
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 16 FEBRUARY 2026: Ajagba, Dzambekov, Ruiz Register Stoppage Wins in Zuffa Event
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • Mexican government and WBC join forces to create mega-project “Boxing for Peace”
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • All eyes on GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.