Lausanne, Switzerland - The International Boxing Association (IBA) is set to electrify the KSK Arena in St. Petersburg on 4 May with the upcoming IBA.PRO Champions Night.
This historic event will feature a unique dual format, combining traditional boxing with the high-intensity world of bare-knuckle fighting. While the classical boxing card featuring international champions will be announced shortly, the official IBA Bare Knuckle line-up is now confirmed.
The main attraction for the bare-knuckle fights features a massive encounter between Kyrgyz star and WBL World Boxing Champion Samat Abdyrakhmanov (7-2-1) and one of the most famous figures in the sport, Timur Abdurakhmanov from Russia. This headline bout is scheduled for five rounds and promises to be a showcase of elite skill and toughness, serving as the co-main fight of the whole night alongside classic boxing.
Fans can also look forward to a highly anticipated clash between St. Petersburg’s own Danila Chizhov (4-4-1) and the formidable Iranian fighter Mohammad Heibati (2-1), popularly known as the "Persian Dagestani."
IBA CEO Chris Roberts OBE expressed his excitement for the upcoming event:
“Bringing bare knuckle to a spectacular stage like the IBA.PRO Champions Night in St. Petersburg is a landmark moment for us. This format returns to the very roots of combat sports while offering something fresh and incredibly high-energy for our global audience. By integrating these world-class bare-knuckle bouts alongside traditional boxing, we are creating a diverse, elite-level festival of fighting that truly showcases the grit and skill of these incredible athletes”.
The card continues with a battle of rising prospects as Russia's Igor Dimov (1-1) takes on Mahmud Isaev (2-0), a champion in both kickboxing and boxing representing Dagestan, Russia. Additionally, the event will feature a relentless match-up between Chelyabinsk Regional Champion Arstan Umbitkulov (1-2) from Russia and Kyrgyzstan’s Kalys Akelbaev (2-1).
Official IBA Bare Knuckle Fight Card:
• Samat Abdyrakhmanov (Kyrgyzstan) vs Timur Abdurakhmanov (Russia) – 5 Rounds
• Danila Chizhov (Russia) vs Mohammad Heibati (Iran) – 3 Rounds
• Igor Dimov (Russia) vs Mahmud Isaev (Russia) – 3 Rounds
• Arstan Umbitkulov (Russia) vs Kalys Akelbaev (Kyrgyzstan) – 3 Rounds
All rounds will consist of a 2-minute duration. The IBA.PRO Champions Night marks a bold step forward for the IBA, bringing diverse combat sports together under one roof. Stay tuned for the upcoming announcement regarding the classical boxing portion of the evening.
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