IBF Lightweight Eliminator Tops IBA.PRO 17 Card In Ufa
Ufa will host IBA.PRO 17 on April 25, headlined by a high-stakes lightweight eliminator that will determine the next mandatory challenger for the IBF world title.
Undefeated contenders Artur Subkhankulov of Russia and Bahodur Usmonov of Tajikistan will collide in the main event, with the winner securing official challenger status for the IBF belt currently held by unbeaten Raymond Muratalla. Subkhankulov enters the bout with a strong amateur pedigree as an International Master of Sport and a product of renowned coach Maria Karabanova. The Bashkortostan native is unbeaten in the professional ranks, holding an 11–0 record with five knockouts. His résumé includes WBA Asia, IBA European, and IBA Intercontinental titles.
Usmonov brings an equally impressive background. A consistent medal contender on the international amateur stage, he reached the semi-finals of the World Championships in Tashkent and is a multiple-time Asian Championships medalist. As a professional, he remains undefeated at 12–0 (4 KOs) and currently holds the IBA.PRO Intercontinental title.
Akhmedov returns to face dangerous Filipino puncher
In the co-main event, Russian prospect Khariton Agrba returns to the ring against hard-hitting Filipino Gerald Into. Agrba boasts over 300 amateur bouts and notable achievements including silver at the European Games, gold at the Universiade, and victory at the Strandja Memorial. Since turning professional, he has compiled a 17–1 record with nine knockouts, avenging his lone defeat in a convincing rematch. He has also held the IBA world title.
Into, nicknamed “Truman,” enters the fight with a 14–1 record and a reputation as a heavy puncher. Only three of his opponents have gone the distance, adding an extra layer of danger to the matchup.
Aminova eyes WBA Asia title in Ufa
Local star Azalia Aminova will also feature on the card, competing for the WBA Asia title.
A three-time Russian national champion, Aminova has represented her country at World Championships and claimed gold medals at the BRICS Games and Bolivarian Games. Still early in her professional career, she has already secured several wins under the IBA.PRO banner.
She will face Nigeria’s Cynthia Ogunsemilore, a former African Games champion and Commonwealth Games bronze medalist. Ogunsemilore is unbeaten as a professional at 8–0 (2 KOs). The bout is scheduled for 10 rounds.
Undercard highlights
The event will also feature several additional bouts:
Danis Gabdrafikov (Russia) vs. Rakhat Seitkhan (Kazakhstan) for the WBA Asia East title;
a heavyweight clash between Bekhan Izrailov and Teymuraz Surov;
Ruslan Selimyan (Russia) vs. Nathanael Kakololo (Namibia) at super lightweight;
Karen Solovyov is also set to appear on the card.
IBA.PRO 17 marks the return of top-level professional boxing to Bashkortostan and stands as one of the key fight nights of the spring season.
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