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Philippines, 02 Jun 2026 |
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Vitor vs Subkhankulov, Tapales vs Kalsynov in Double IBF Asia Title Fights in Moscow on Feb. 13 By Dong Secuya PhilBoxing.com Tue, 27 Jan 2026  The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has officially greenlit a massive double-header for its Asia division as two major regional titles will be contested on the same night in Moscow on Friday, February 13. The formal approval was confirmed in a letter from Carlos Ortiz Jr., the IBF Vice Championships Chairman, addressed to veteran promoter Peter Maniatis. In the main card Filipino knockout artist Virgel "Valiente" Vitor will face undefeated prospect Artur Subkhankulov of Russia for the IBF Asia Lightweight Title. Hailing from Bohol, Vitor is a seasoned power-puncher with a reputation for ending fights early. With 24 wins, 4 losses and 17 knockouts to his name, "Valiente" is making his third international appearance, seeking to bring IBF gold back to the Philippines. Subkhankulov (10-0-0, 4KOs) from Ufa, one of Russia's most populous cities 1,000 kilometers east of Moscow, won by decision against his last five opponents after winning by stoppage four of his first five pro fights. In another regional title fight, Filipino rising star Gabriel Tapales and local favorite Aznaur Kalsynov will vie for IBF Asia Featherweight Title. This marks the first international test for Tapales (9-1, 6 KOs), the younger brother of former unified world champion Marlon "The Nightmare" Tapales. Gabriel, a 22-year-old southpaw from Sanman Boxing, is coming off a sensational 2025 campaign punctuated by a viral knockout of Ian Donaire. He faces the technical Kalsynov (6-1-3, 0KOs), an orthodox Russian fighter with a deep amateur pedigree who is currently on a two-fight winning streak. In formal correspondence from the IBF, Vice Championships Chairman Carlos Ortiz Jr. emphasized that while the titles are up for grabs, safety remains paramount. "Each boxer is required to take an Anti-doping test immediately following the bout," the IBF mandate stated, ensuring that the integrity of the sport is upheld for these championship-level contests. The event is a significant collaboration between Australian promoter Peter Maniatis, Russia’s Shamo Boxing, PMI Bohol Boxing Stable and Sanman Boxing. The dual-championship card is expected to be a pivotal night for Asian and European boxing rankings, potentially propelling the winners into the IBF world top 15. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.  |
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