By - George Delis (@Delisketo)
Heavyweight: -Alexander Povetkin (36-2): interim WBC World champion. Povetkin will once again meet with Dillian Whyte (27-2) on March 27, for the interim WBC championship. -Zhan Kossobutskiy (15-0): WBA #14 Zhan knocked out Onoriode Ehwarieme (18-2) on February 20 to capture the WBA International title and enter the world rankings for the first time. -Evgeny Romanov (15-0): WBO #10 Romanov defended his WBO Global title against former world champion Siarhei Liakhovich (27-9) in November. Cruiserweight: -Aleksei Egorov (11-0): WBA Gold champion Egorov is currently negotiating a fight with the WBA Super champion Arsen Goulamirian (26-0). -Evgeny Tishchenko (8-0): WBO #4 / IBF #5 / WBC #15 The 2016 Olympic champion will challenge Thabiso Mchunu (22-5) for the WBC Silver crown on March 27. This bout will also serve as a WBC world title eliminator. -Aleksei Papin (12-1): WBC #2 / WBO #8 Papin takes on Vaclav Pejsar (15-10) in a stay busy fight on April 2nd. -Yury Kashinsky (19-1): IBF #4 / WBA #9 / WBC #11 Kashinsky last fought 13 months ago. Light Heavyweight: -Artur Beterbiev (15-0): IBF & WBC World champion Beterbiev defends his belts on March 20 against Adam Deines (19-1). -Dmitry Bivol (17-0): WBA (Super) World champion Bivol has begun training for his 7th defense. The former WBO Super Middleweight champion Gilberto Ramirez (41-0) is said to be his next opponent. -Maksim Vlasov (46-3): WBO #2 Vlasov will clash with Joe Smith Jr. (26-3) for the vacant WBO Light Heavyweight title on April 10. -Sergey Kovalev (34-4): WBO #6 Kovalev’s encounter with Bektemir Melikuziev (7-0) was cancelled due to Kovalev testing positive for synthetic testosterone. -Igor Mikhalkin (23-2): WBC #4 Mikhalkin faces Denis Tsaryuk (12-4) on March 20. -Rustam Tulaganov (4-0): WBA #14 The 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist defeated Beibi Berrocal (17-8) 2 months ago. -Ali Izmailov (5-0): IBF #11 Izmailov enters the world rankings after dispatching former IBF International champion Ruslan Fayfer (25-3) this past November. -Umar Salamov (25-1): WBO #4 Salamov was meant to fight Vlasov for the vacant WBO title, before he tested positive for COVID-19. Super Middleweight: -Fedor Chudinov (23-2): WBA Gold champion Fedor retained his Gold belt against Isaac Chilemba (26-7) last month. -Bektemir Melikuziev (7-0): WBO #12 / WBA #15 The 2016 Olympic Silver medalist easily dispatched Morgan Fitch (19-5) within 3 rounds. -Aidos Yerbossynuly (15-0): WBA #1 / WBO #4 / IBF #4 / WBC #11 Aidos will defend his WBA International & WBO Global titles for the 5th time, on March 28 against Tim Cronin (12-5). After that fight, he will clash with top contender Evgeny Shvedenko in an IBF eliminator. -Azizbek Abdugofurov (13-0): WBC #4 Azizbek puts his WBC Silver championship on the line this Saturday night, against accomplished amateur star Pavel Silyagin (6-0). -Aslambek Idigov (19-0): WBO #6 / IBF #13 Idigov picked up 2 major wins last year over Ryan Ford (17-6) and former interim WBA titlist Stanislav Kashtanov (36-6). -Evgeny Shvedenko (15-0): IBF #3 As mentioned above, Shvedenko is scheduled to square off with Aidos Yerbossynuly in the near future. -Vladimir Shishkin (12-0): WBC #7 / IBF #10 / WBA #13 Shishkin defeated Sena Agbeko (23-2) on February 17. Middleweight: -Gennady Golovkin (41-1): IBF World champion Triple G destroyed Kamil Szeremeta (21-1) in his inaugural IBF title defense. -Kanat Islam (28-0): WBO #6 / IBF #14 The 2008 Olympic Bronze medalist finally returned to action few weeks ago and scored his 28th victory. -Magomed Madiev (15-0): WBA #2 Madiev defeated Konstantin Mishechkin (16-10) in January. -Janibek Alimkhanuly (9-0): WBO # 3 / WBC #6 / IBF #11 The 2013 AIBA World champion wants a match with Ryota Murata (16-2). -Andrey Sirotkin (19-1): WBC #13 Sirotkin won 3 fights in 2020 and also captured the WBC Asia Continental title. -Meiirim Nursultanov (14-0): IBF #9 / WBC #15 Nursultanov only fought once last year. Super Welterweight: -Magomed Kurbanov (21-0): WBA #5 / WBO #5 Kurbanov’s biggest fight of his career will take place on May 8, when he goes up against the former WBO world champion Liam Smith (29-2). -Israil Madrimov (6-0): WBA #1 Madrimov faces fellow undefeated fighter Emmany Kalombo (14-0) on April 3rd. -Sadriddin Akhmedov (12-0): WBA #15 Akhmedov decisioned Stephen Danyo (17-4) in January, winning the NABF & WBA Continental titles in the process. -Mekhrubon Sanginov (10-0): WBA #10 Sanginov has already fought twice in 2021, beating Quincy LaVallais (11-1) and Miguel Angel Suarez (15-7). -Bakhram Murtazaliev (18-0): IBF #1 / WBO #4 Murtazaliev has knocked out 14 out of his 18 opponents. Welterweight: -Sergey Lipinets (16-1): IBF #3 / WBO #9 Lipinets and Jaron Ennis (26-0) will collide on April 10 for the vacant IBO crown. -David Avanesyan (27-3): WBC#5 / IBF #5 / WBA #7 / WBO #10 Avanesyan marked a successful 3rd defense of his European title, against Josh Kelly (10-1) last month. -Daniyar Yeleussinov (10-0): IBF #8 The 2016 Olympic Gold medalist earned the biggest victory of his pro career last November, when he stopped former IBF & WBA champion Julius Indongo (23-3) within 2 rounds. -Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (18-0): IBF #1 / WBC #8 / WBO #12 Kudratillo recently defeated Javier Flores (15-3) -Radzhab Butaev (13-0): WBA #1 Butaev ruined Terry Chatwood’s (9-1) perfect record with a 3rd round KO this past December. Super Lightweight: -Shakhram Giyasov (10-0): WBA #6 The 2016 Olympic Silver medalist defends his WBA International belt against former world title challenger Isa Chaniev (14-3) on April 3rd. -Shohjahon Ergashev (19-0): IBF #4 / WBA #8 / WBO #8 Ergashev is said to be involved in an IBF eliminator in the coming months. -Eduard Troyanovsky (29-2): WBC #11 / IBF #11 The former IBF champion will face Valery Oganisyan (4-0) on April 2nd. -Batyrzhan Jukembayev (18-0): IBF #8 / WBC #8 / WBA #14 Jukembayev signed with MTK Global. -Batyr Akhmedov (8-1): WBA #5 After suffering his first loss at the hands of Mario Barrios (26-0), Akhmedov came back last September and finished Rey Perez (24-12) in less than 3 minutes. Lightweight: -Zapir Rasulov (35-1): WBA #15 Rasulov scored his 31st knockout last October. He takes on Nestor Faccio (18-12) on June 19 and then Jose Forero on August 13. -Elnur Samedov (11-1): IBF #14 Samedov dominated Alexander Podolsky (11-2) to successfully retain his WBA Continental title. -Zaur Abdullaev (12-1): IBF #8 / WBC #9 Zaur faces Zhora Hamazaryan (10-2) on March 27. Super Featherweight: -Mark Urvanov (18-2): WBA Gold champion Urvanov delivered a stunning KO last year, ending the undefeated streak of Akzhol Sulaimanbek Uulu (15-1) and became the inaugural WBA Gold champion. He was meant to challenge Rene Alvarado (32-9) for the World title, before the Nicaraguan lost his belt to Roger Gutierrez (25-3) earlier this year. -Shavkat Rakhimov (15-0): IBF #1 / WBC #7 Rakhimov fought Joseph Diaz (31-1) for the vacant IBF championship to a draw. -Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov (16-0): WBC #5 / WBO #7 Yaqubov defends his WBC International title for the 4th time, on March 27, against the unbeaten Lunga Sitemela (13-0). -Ruslan Kamilov (9-0): WBO #15 Kamilov takes on former world title challenger Evgeny Chuprakov (23-3) on March 27 for the WBO Intercontinental strap. Featherweight: -Tugstsogt Nyambayar (12-1): WBC #3 / WBA #8 The 2012 Olympic Silver earned a split decision win over Cobia Breedy (15-1). -Andranik Grigoryan (12-0): WBA #10 Grigoryan defeated former IBF Intercontinental champion Andrei Isayeu (30-19) last June. Super Bantamweight: -Murodjon Akhmadaliev (8-0): WBA & IBF World champion. The 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist will mark his inaugural defense against the interim IBF champion Ryosuke Iwasa (27-3) on April 3rd. - Yevgeniy Pavlov (3-0): WBA #12 The 21 year old turned pro last year and won 3 fights in a row. Bantamweight: -Nikolai Potapov (22-2): IBF #6 / WBO #4 / WBC #15 Potapov’s latest victory was over former WBA Intercontinental champion Oleksandr Hryshchuk (16-3) in December. Super Flyweight: -Mikhail Aloyan (5-1): WBA Gold champion The 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist will defend his fight Pablo Carrillo (25-7) this coming spring for the interim WBA strap. Flyweight: -Olimjon Nazarov (25-5): WBO #5 Nazarov has been on an impressive 12 fight winning streak since 2018.
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By - George Delis (@Delisketo)
Middleweight: -Ryota Murata (16-2): WBA World champion Murata and his 2012 Olympic finals rival Esquiva Falcao (28-0) might finally meet again later this year. Super Welterweight: -Takeshi Inoue (17-1): WBO #7 Inoue ended 2020 with 1 defense of his WBO Asia Pacific title. Welterweight: -Keita Obara (23-4): IBF #6 Obara will defend his Japanese strap against Shoki Sakai (25-11) on April 8. -Yuki Beppu (21-1): WBO #11 The WBO Asia Pacific champion Beppu will face the OPBF title holder Ryota Toyoshima (13-2) on May 6 in a unification match. Super Lightweight: -Andy Hiraoka (17-0): IBF #12 Hiraoka picked up an easy win over Fumisuke Kimura (9-7) last week in Japan. Lightweight: -Shuichiro Yoshino (13-0): WBO #8 / WBA #12 / WBC #13 / IBF #15 Yoshino defended his Japanese, OBPF & WBO Asia Pacific belts against Valentine Hosokawa (25-8) this past September. His next fight will most likely be in spring. The unbeaten Hironori Mishiro (10-0) is said to be the challenger. -Masayoshi Nakatani (19-1): WBO #5 / WBC #7 / IBF #10 Nakatani shocked everyone when he knocked out Felix Verdejo (27-2), after being dropped himself twice, to become the WBO Intercontinental champion. There are talks about him facing Vasyl Lomachenko (14-2) next. Super Featherweight: -Kenichi Ogawa (25-1): IBF #3 / WBA #5 / WBO #6 A fight between Ogawa and Shavkat Rakhimov (15-0) for the vacant IBF championship is currently under negotiations. -Kosuke Saka (21-5): WBO #11 Saka successfully defended his Japanese title against the veteran Takuya Watanabe (37-10) on January 22nd. Featherweight: -Tomoki Kameda (36-3): WBA #12 The former WBO Bantamweight & interim WBC Super Bantamweight champion is planning his Featherweight debut. -Musashi Mori (12-0): WBO #4 Mori will put his WBO Asia Pacific crown on the line, in a double title fight, against Olympic medalist and OPBF champion Satoshi Shimizu (9-1) on May 13th. - Hinata Maruta (11-1): WBC #10 Maruta stopped Ryo Sagawa (10-2) on February 11th, capturing the Japanese title in the process. -Ryo Matsumoto (24-3): IBF #14 The former world title challenger was scheduled to take on Takashi Igarashi (13-5) but the fight didn’t materialize (Ed's note - Igarashi suffered an injury in the build up to the fight). -Reiya Abe (20-3): IBF #11 Abe ruined Ren Sasaki’s (10-1) perfect record this past October. (Ed's note - Abe is scheduled to return in April against Koshin Takeshima) Super Bantamweight: -Ryosuke Iwasa (27-3): interim IBF World champion Iwasa challenges the WBA/IBF champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev (8-0) on April 3rd. -Hiroaki Teshigawara (22-2): IBF #3 / WBC #4 / WBO #12 Teshigawara has defended his OPBF championship 4 times overall, all knockouts. -Ryo Akaho (36-2): WBO #11 / IBF #15 Akaho is aiming to put himself back in world title contention this year. Bantamweight -Naoya Inoue (20-0): WBA (Super) & IBF World champion The Monster dispatched Jason Moloney (21-2) last October. His next title defense could be against mandatory IBF contender Michael Dasmarinas (30-2). -Daigo Higa (17-1): WBO #7 / WBA #8 / WBC #12 / IBF #13 Higa scored his 17th knockout on New Year’s Eve. -Takuma Inoue (14-1): WBC #5 / WBO #6 / IBF #9 / WBA #10 Takuma managed to defeat Keita Kurihara (15-6) on January 14th, for the OPBF title. Super Flyweight: -Kazuto Ioka (26-2): WBO World champion Ioka gave the 3 division world champion Kosei Tanaka (15-1) his first professional loss, knocking him down twice before the referee stopped the match in the 8th round. -Ryoji Fukunaga (13-4): IBF #9 / WBC #13 / WBO #14 Fukunaga unified the Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific titles last December. -Sho Ishida (29-2): IBF #10 / WBA #13 Ishida beat Toshiya Ishii (3-1) in November. -Kosei Tanaka (15-1): WBO #6 / WBC #6 Tanaka tasted defeat for the 1st time at the hands of Kazuto Ioka. Flyweight: -Junto Nakatani (21-0): WBO World champion. Nakatani is aiming to defend his WBO title soon. His dream opponent is Kosei Tanaka. -Ryota Yamauchi (7-1): WBA #2 / IBF #10 / WBO #10 Yamauchi became the WBO Asia Pacific champion last August. Light Flyweight: -Hiroto Kyoguchi (14-0): WBA (Super) World champion. Kyoguchi defended his belt for the 3rd time on Match 13 against Axel Aragon Vega (14-4). -Kenshiro Teraji (17-0): WBC World champion. Kenshiro’s next defense will take place on April 24 against the WBC #1 contender Tetsuya Hisada (34-10). -Katsunari Takayama (32-8): WBA #5 The former king of the Strawweights made a successful Light Flyweight debut against 2x world title challenger Reiya Konishi (17-3) on December 27th. -Kenichi Horikawa (41-16): WBC #5 / IBF #6 / WBO #12 / WBA #13 The 41 year old scored the upset over rising star Daiki Tomita (15-2). -Masamichi Yabuki (12-3): WBC #2 / WBA #7 / IBF #8 / WBO #10 Yabuki marked his inaugural defense of the Japanese title against Toshimasa Ouchi (22-10). -Riku Kano (17-4): WBO #5 / IBF #11 Kano became the WBO Asia Pacific champion last November. Strawweight: -Ginjiro Shigeoka (5-0): WBA #10 / WBC #10 / WBO #11 / IBF #12 Shigeoka‘s comeback fight is expected to take place soon. -Masataka Taniguchi (13-3): WBO #1 / IBF #14 Taniguchi captured the Japanese title a few months ago. -Tsubasa Koura (15-1): IBF #7 / WBC #8 / WBO #11 Koura hasn’t competed for over a year. -Norihito Tanaka (20-8): WBC #11 / WBA #15 / WBO #15 / IBF #15 Tanaka beat Yuni Takada (8-6) this past November. By - George Delis (@Delisketo)
Middleweight: -Ryota Murata (16-2): WBA World champion The 2012 Olympic champion could be going up against Chris Eubank Jr. in the coming months. Super Welterweight: -Takeshi Inoue (17-1): WBO #8 / WBC #15 Inoue ended 2020 with 1 defense of his WBO Asia Pacific title. Welterweight: -Keita Obara (23-4): IBF #5 Obara defeated Yuki Nagano last February, winning the Japanese strap once more. -Yuki Beppu (21-1): WBO #12 Beppu hasn’t fought since his slugfest with Ryota Yada in 2019. Super Lightweight: -Andy Hiraoka (16-0): IBF #12 Hiraoka will return to action on March 11th (Opponent TBA). Lightweight: -Shuichiro Yoshino (13-0): WBO #7 / WBA #11 / WBC #13 / IBF #15 Yoshino defended his Japanese, OBPF & WBO Asia Pacific belts against Valentine Hosokawa this past September. His next fight will most likely be in spring. The unbeaten Hironori Mishiro is said to be the challenger. -Masayoshi Nakatani (19-1): IBF #10 / WBO #14 Nakatani shocked everyone when he knocked out Felix Verdejo, after being dropped himself twice, to become the WBO Intercontinental champion. Super Featherweight: -Kenichi Ogawa (25-1): IBF #3 / WBA #5 / WBO #8 / WBC #15 Ogawa bested Kazuhiro Nishitani 4 months ago. -Kosuke Saka (20-5): WBO #15 Saka will be defending his Japanese title against former WBO Asia Pacific champion Takuya Watanabe on January 22nd. Featherweight: -Tomoki Kameda (36-3): WBA #12 The former WBO Bantamweight & interim WBC Super Bantamweight champion is planning his Featherweight debut. -Musashi Mori (12-0): WBO #4 Mori will put his WBO Asia Pacific crown on the line, in a double title fight, against Olympic medalist and OPBF champion Satoshi Shimizu on May 13th. -Hiroshige Osawa (36-5): WBA #2 / IBF #8 Osawa has been inactive since 2019. -Ryo Sagawa (10-1): WBC #8 / IBF #11 / WBO #15 Sagawa will mark the 3rd defense of his Japanese title against Hinata Maruta on February 11th. -Ryo Matsumoto (24-3): IBF #15 The former world title challenger takes on Takashi Igarashi on March 11th. -Reiya Abe (20-3): IBF #12 Abe beat the unbeaten Ren Sasaki (10-1) this past October. Super Bantamweight: -Ryosuke Iwasa (27-3): interim IBF World champion Iwasa secured the interim IBF title, after stopping Marlon Tapales in 2019. He will unify with the WBA/IBF champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev on March 13th. -Hiroaki Teshigawara (22-2): IBF #3 / WBC #4 Teshigawara has defended his OPBF championship 4 times overall, all knockouts. -Ryo Akaho (36-2): IBF #12 / WBO #13 The former 2x world title challenger closed 2020 in spectacular fashion, obliterating Yuto Nakamura with a devastating uppercut. Bantamweight -Naoya Inoue (20-0): WBA (Super) & IBF World champion The Monster dispatched Jason Moloney last October. His next title defense could be against longtime mandatory IBF contender Michael Dasmarinas. -Daigo Higa (17-1): WBA #8 / WBC #15 Higa knocked out Yuki Strong Kobayashi on NYE, capturing the WBO Asia Pacific title in the process. -Takuma Inoue (14-1): WBC #7 / WBO #7 The former interim WBC champion managed to defeat Keita Kurihara, on January 14th, for the OPBF title. Super Flyweight: -Kazuto Ioka (26-2): WBO World champion Ioka gave the 3 division world champion Kosei Tanaka his first professional loss on New Year’s Eve, knocking him down twice before the referee stopped the match in the 8th round. -Ryoji Fukunaga (13-4): IBF #9 Fukunaga scored his 13th KO in his recent encounter with Kenta Nakagawa to unify the Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific titles. -Sho Ishida (29-2): IBF #12 / WBA #13 Ishida beat Toshiya Ishii in November. -Kosei Tanaka (15-1): WBO #1 Tanaka tasted defeat for the 1st time, at the hands of Kazuto Ioka. Flyweight: -Junto Nakatani (21-0): WBO World champion. After a masterful performance, Nakatani stopped Giemel Magramo to win the vacant WBO championship. -Ryota Yamauchi (7-1): WBA #2 / IBF #10 / WBO #10 Yamauchi became the WBO Asia Pacific champion this past August. Light Flyweight: -Hiroto Kyoguchi (14-0): WBA (Super) World champion. Kyoguchi recently signed with Matchroom. -Kenshiro Teraji (17-0): WBC World champion. The JBC suspended Kenshiro’s license for 3 months, after he drunkenly damaged someones vehicle. -Katsunari Takayama (32-8): WBA #4 The former king of the Strawweights made a successful Light Flyweight debut against 2x world title challenger Reiya Konishi on December 27th. -Kenichi Horikawa (41-16): WBC #5 / IBF #7 / WBA #13 The 20 year veteran scored an upset stoppage win over rising star Daiki Tomita. -Masamichi Yabuki (12-3): WBC #3 / WBA #7 / IBF #9 / WBO #13 Yabuki defended his Japanese title for the first time against Toshimasa Ouchi. -Riku Kano (17-4): WBO #7 / IBF #12 Kano became the WBO Asia Pacific champion last November. Strawweight: -Ginjiro Shigeoka (5-0): WBA #10 / WBC #10 / WBO #11 / IBF #12 The WBO Asia Pacific champion’s comeback fight is expected to take place soon. -Masataka Taniguchi (13-3): WBO #3 Taniguchi recently captured the Japanese title. -Tsubasa Koura (15-1): IBF #7 / WBC #9 / WBO #12 Koura hasn’t competed since last February. -Norihito Tanaka (20-8): WBC #11 / WBA #15 Tanaka beat Yuni Takada this past November. (Image credit - Celes Gym) By - George Delis (@Delisketo)
Heavyweight: -Zhilei Zhang (22-0): WBO #9 / IBF #15 The 2008 Olympic Silver medalist knocked out Devin Vargas (22-7) in his most recent fight. Cruiserweight: -Muhamad Farkhan (11-0): WBA #13 Malaysian KO artist Muhamad Farkhan stopped Pascal Abel Ndomba (25-10), back in 2019, to capture the WBA & WBC Asia championships. Light Heavyweight: -Meng Fanlong (16-0): IBF #1 / WBC #15 No news yet on Meng’s return. Middleweight: -Ainiwaer Yilixiati (17-1): WBO #14 Much like most Chinese fighters, Yilixiati hasn’t fought since 2019. Welterweight: -Manny Pacquiao (62-7): WBA (Super) World champion By the looks of it, Pacquiao may end up fighting former 2 division UFC champion Conor McGregor in 2021. Super Lightweight: -Apinun Khongsong (16-1): IBF #13 Apinun suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of Josh Taylor (17-0). -Daud Yordan (40-4): WBO #9 Yordan has had troubles getting a fight in his native country of Indonesia. Super Featherweight: -Joe Noynay (18-2): WBO #6 / IBF #14 Noynay earned the biggest win of his career in 2019 when he dominated Olympic Bronze medalist Satoshi Shimizu (9-1) to retain his WBO Asia Pacific title.. Featherweight: -Can Xu (18-2): WBA (Regular) World champion The fight with Josh Warrington (30-0) has been delayed again. -Mark Magsayo (21-0): IBF #4 / WBC #5 / WBA #9 / WBO #9 Magsayo is already back in camp, training for his next match. (Opponent TBA) Super Bantamweight: -Thattana Luangphon (13-0): WBC #6 Luangphon had an impressive 2020, winning 4 fights, all via knockout. -Albert Pagara (33-1): IBF #13 The former WBO & IBF Intercontinental champion defeated Filipino journeyman Virgil Puton (18-15) last month. -Mike Plania (24-1): WBA #6 / IBF #8 / WBC #14 Plania scored a big victory last June over Joshua Greer Jr. (22-2), dropping him twice in their 10 round encounter. -Marlon Tapales (34-3): IBF #4 The former world champion won his comeback fight against Eden Sonsona (36-12) this past November. -Jhunriel Ramonal (17-8): WBC #9 / IBF #15 / WBO #15 Ramonal stopped Yusaku Kuga (19-4) in 2019 and captured the WBO Asia Pacific title. -Jeo Santisima (20-3): WBO #8 Santisima beat Marjon Piencenaves (6-2) a few weeks ago. Bantamweight: -John Riel Casimero (30-4): WBO World champion A unification match with 2x Olympic gold medalist and the WBA (Regular) champion Guillermo Rigondeaux (20-1) is potentially next for Casimero. -Reymart Gaballo (24-0): Interim WBC World champion Gaballo earned a split decision over the former IBF champion Emmanuel Rodriguez (19-2) this past December to capture the interim WBC title. -Nawaphon Kaikanha (50-1): WBC #2 Nawaphon has been undefeated in his last 14 bouts, including KO victories over former world champions Sonny Boy Jaro (45-15) and Amnat Ruenroeng (21-4). -Nonito Donaire (40-6): WBC #1 The 4 division world champion could finally meet Nordine Oubaali (17-0) in the ring this year for the WBC title. -Tasana Salapat (58-1): WBA #4 / WBC #10 Salapat has been on a 10 fight winning streak, since his loss to Takuma Inoue (14-1), all knockouts. -Michael Dasmarinas (30-2): IBF #1 / WBO #3 / WBC #13 Dasmarinas will finally challenge Naoya Inoue (20-0) for the IBF championship. -Aston Palicte (27-4): WBO #10 / IBF #13 The former world title challenger has been 2-1 since losing to Kazuto Ioka (26-2). -Jun Zhao (13-2): WBA #13 Zhao defended his WBA Asia title twice in 2020. -Vincent Astrolabio (15-3): WBO #9 Astrolabio will face Genisis Libranza (19-1) on February 27th. Super Flyweight: -Jerwin Ancajas (32-1): IBF World champion Ancajas will mark his 9th title defense this April against Jonathan Javier Rodriguez (22-1). -Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (49-5): WBC #1 / WBO #7 The former 2 time WBC champion will face the winner of Juan Francisco Estrada (41-3) vs. Roman Gonzalez (50-2). -Sirichai Thaiyen (58-4): WBA #1 The former interim WBA titlist has been 8-0 since losing to Artem Dalakian (20-0). -Nattapong Jankaew (7-0): WBA #11 Thai rising star Jankaew scored the biggest win of his young career last November when he defeated former world title challenger Karoon Jarupianlerd (44-10). -KJ Cataraja (12-0): WBO #11 Cataraja dispatched former world title challenger John Mark Apolinario (20-14) last month, with a nasty body shot in the first round. -Komgrich Nantapech (29-5): IBF #13 Nantapech has won his last 7 fights, mostly against minor opponents. -Jade Bornea (15-0): IBF #8 / WBC #15 Bornea captured the NABF title early last year. Flyweight: -Thananchai Charunphak (11-1): WBC #8 2020 was a breakout year for Thananchai, picking up wins over veteran fighter Wicha Phulaikhao (61-15) as well as former world champion Suriyan Satorn (60-11), both stoppages. -Jayr Raquinel (12-1): IBF #6 / WBC #9 Raquinel is aiming at the newly crowned WBO champion Junto Nakatani (21-0). -Genisis Libranza (19-1): WBC #12 Libranza will go up against the WBO Oriental Bantamweight champion Vincent Astrolabio (15-3) on February 27th. -Jayson Mama (15-0): IBF #3 Mama’s IBF title fight with Moruti Mthalane (39-2) was cancelled. -Dave Apolinario (14-0): WBA #12 / IBF #14 Apolinario kept his perfect record intact in 2020. -Giemel Magramo (24-2): WBC #10 / WBO #11 Magramo failed to become the WBO champion when he fought Junto Nakatani. -Wenfeng Ge (12-1): WBO #6 Wenfeng hasn’t competed since October of 2019. Light Flyweight: -Christian Araneta (19-1): IBF #5 Araneta added 2 more wins to his record in 2020. -Tibo Monabesa (20-1): WBC #6 The IBO champion hasn’t been in the ring since he won the belt on July of 2019. -Mark Vicelles (12-0): WBC #9 / WBO #12 / IBF #13 Vicelles defeated Junuel Lacar (8-6) 2 months ago. -Edward Heno (14-1): WBC #7 Heno unsuccessfully challenged the WBO World champion Elwin Soto (18-1). -Andika Fredikson Ha'e (17-0): WBO #10 “D’Golden Boy” much like Monabesa, hasn’t seen action since the summer of 2019. Strawweight: -Panya Pradabsri (35-1): WBC World champion Pradabsri became the first man to defeat the unstoppable Chayaphon Moonsri (54-1) and become the new WBC champion. -Thammanoon Niyomtrong (21-0): WBA (Super) World champion The undefeated Thai champion is expected to make his 9th title defense in the coming months. -Pedro Taduran (14-2): IBF World champion Taduran will take on the challenge of Rene Mark Cuarto (18-2) on February 27th. -Victorio Saludar (20-4): WBO #2 / WBA #4 The former WBO champion will clash with Robert Paradero (18-0) on February 20th for the vacant WBA (Regular) World title. -Jing Xiang (17-4): WBO #1 / WBC #7 / WBA #12 / IBF #14 Xiang won the WBO International title on his Strawweight debut. -Rene Mark Cuarto (18-2): IBF #3 / WBO #8 Cuarto will go for the gold against the IBF champion Pedro Taduran (14-2). -Chayaphon Moonsri (54-1): WBC #1 Moonsri could be rematching Pradabsri at some point in 2021. -Lito Dante (17-11): IBF #6 / WBC #14 The OPBF champion hasn’t fought in almost 1 year. -Robert Paradero (18-0): WBA #5 As mentioned above, Paradero will face Saludar for the WBA (Regular) belt. -Melvin Jerusalem (16-2): WBC #2 / IBF #4 Jerusalem scored his 10th knockout recently in the Philippines. -Samuel Salva (18-1): WBO #14 Salva suffered an injury in his match with Taduran, costing him the opportunity to become the IBF champion. He bounced back with a win over Donny Mabao (23-43) last January. By - George Delis (@Delisketo)
Heavyweight: -Alexander Povetkin (36-2): interim WBC World champion. The 2004 Olympic Gold medalist viciously knocked out Dillian Whyte (27-2) this past August to become the interim WBC Heavyweight champion. -Evgeny Romanov (15-0): WBO #10 Romanov defended his WBO Global title against former world champion Siarhei Liakhovich (27-9) a few months ago. Cruiserweight: -Aleksei Egorov (11-0): WBA Gold champion Egorov bested combat sports veteran Vasil Ducar (8-3) in his last fight. -Evgeny Tishchenko (8-0): WBO #4 / IBF #6 The 2016 Olympic champion successfully defended his WBO Intercontinental title, for the third time, against John McCallum (12-2) in November. -Aleksei Papin (12-1): WBC #2 / WBO #10 Papin stopped Ruslan Fayfer (25-3) last summer in a WBC final eliminator. -Yury Kashinsky (19-1): IBF #4 / WBA #10 / WBC #12 Kashinsky will challenge the WBA champion Arsen Goulamirian (26-0) probably in spring. Light Heavyweight: -Artur Beterbiev (15-0): IBF & WBC World champion Beterbiev tested positive for COVID-19, thus his fight with Adam Deines (19-1) was postponed. -Dmitry Bivol (17-0): WBA (Super) World champion Bivol’s 7th defense could be against the former WBO Super Middleweight champion Gilberto Ramirez (41-0). -Maksim Vlasov (46-3): WBO #3 Vlasov will clash with Joe Smith Jr. (26-3) for the vacant WBO Light Heavyweight title on February 13th. -Sergey Kovalev (34-4): WBO #5 / WBC #6 The former World champion is set to meet 2016 Olympic Silver medalist Bektemir Melikuziev (6-0) at the end of the month. Update: The fight was cancelled due to Kovalev testing positive for synthetic testosterone. -Igor Mikhalkin (23-2): WBC #7 Mikhalkin will have the opportunity to become a 2 time European champion, when he meets Callum Johnson (18-1) in Manchester, for the vacant EBU title. -Rustam Tulaganov (3-0): WBA #14 The 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist defeated Norbert Dabrowski (23-9) last year to win his 1st professional title. -Ali Izmailov (5-0): IBF #15 Izmailov enters the world rankings after dispatching former IBF International champion Ruslan Fayfer (25-3) this past November. -Umar Salamov (25-1): WBO #2 Salamov was meant to fight Vlasov for the vacant WBO title, before he got tested positive for the coronavirus. Super Middleweight: -Fedor Chudinov (23-2): WBA Gold champion Fedor successfully defended his Gold belt for the 1st time over Umar Sadiq (10-2). -Bektemir Melikuziev (6-0): WBA #14 The 2016 Olympic Silver medalist will face his best opponent yet, when he meets the former Light Heavyweight World champion Sergey Kovalev (34-4) on January 30th in Russia. Update: The fight was cancelled due to Kovalev testing positive for synthetic testosterone. -Aidos Yerbossynuly (15-0): WBA #2 / WBO #4 / IBF #6 Aidos defended his WBA International & WBO Global belts twice in 2020, against Issah Samir (19-1) and Nuhu Lawal (27-8). -Azizbek Abdugofurov (13-0): WBC #6 The WBC Silver champion will be fighting on February 28th. (Opponent TBA) -Aslambek Idigov (19-0): WBO #6 / IBF #14 Rising star Idigov picked up 2 major wins last year over Ryan Ford (17-6) and former interim WBA titlist Stanislav Kashtanov (36-6). -Evgeny Shvedenko (15-0): IBF #5 Shvedenko defeated Artur Osipov (16-3) last month to win the vacant WBC International title. -Vladimir Shishkin (11-0): WBC #7 / WBA #11 / IBF #12 Shishkin will be in action on February 10th. (Opponent TBA) Middleweight: -Gennady Golovkin (41-1): IBF World champion Triple G destroyed Kamil Szeremeta (21-1) in his inaugural defense of the IBF title. -Kanat Islam (27-0): WBO #4 / IBF #14 The 2008 Olympic Bronze medalist was scheduled to make his US in ring return 4 months ago against Jesus Gurrola (27-15) but the fight was cancelled due to visa issues. -Magomed Madiev (15-0): WBA #2 Madiev defeated Konstantin Mishechkin (16-10) 2 weeks ago. -Janibek Alimkhanuly (9-0): WBO # 3 / WBC #5 / IBF #11 / WBA #15 The 2013 AIBA World champion knocked out Gonzalo Gaston Coria (16-4) with a crushing left hook to retain his WBO Global crown. Janibek now has his eyes set on Ryota Murata’s WBA Super title. -Andrey Sirotkin (19-1): WBC #15 Sirotkin won 3 fights in 2020 and also captured the WBC Asia Continental title. -Meiirim Nursultanov (14-0): IBF #9 Nursultanov only fought once in 2020. Super Welterweight: -Magomed Kurbanov (21-0): WBA #5 / WBO #6 / WBC #14 Kurbanov ended 2020 still undefeated. His most recent victory being against former WBC Silver champion Dmitry Mikhaylenko (23-8). A fight with Tim Tszyu (17-0) is in the works. -Israil Madrimov (6-0): WBA #1 Madrimov dominated Charlie Navarro (29-10) as well as Eric Walker (20-3) last year and is now even closer to a world title opportunity. -Bakhram Murtazaliev (18-0): WBC #1 / WBO #5 Murtazaliev has knocked out 14 out of his 18 opponents. Welterweight: -Sergey Lipinets (16-1): IBF #3 / WBO #9 Lipinets fought Custio Clayton (18-0) for the interim IBF title, to a draw. -David Avanesyan (26-3): WBC#7 / WBA #9 / WBO #10 Avanesyan’s 3rd defense of his European title, against Josh Kelly (10-0), was postponed. A new date will be decided soon. -Daniyar Yeleussinov (10-0): IBF #9 The 2016 Olympic Gold medalist earned the biggest victory of his pro career last November, when he stopped former IBF & WBA champion Julius Indongo (23-3) with 2 rounds. -Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (17-0): IBF #1 / WBC #8 / WBO #13 Kudratillo aims to challenge the WBC & IBF champion Errol Spence Jr. in 2021. -Radzhab Butaev (13-0): WBA #3 Butaev ruined Terry Chatwood’s (9-1) perfect record with a 3rd round KO on December 26th. Super Lightweight: -Shakhram Giyasov (10-0): WBA #6 The 2016 Olympic Silver medalist stopped Wiston Campos (31-8) this past August with a nasty body shot. -Shohjahon Ergashev (19-0): IBF #4 / WBA #8 / WBO #13 Ergashev could be next in line to challenge Josh Taylor (17-0) for the WBA & IBF titles. -Batyrzhan Jukembayev (18-0): IBF #8 / WBA #13 Jukembayev knocked out Ricardo Lara (22-9) last January. -Batyr Akhmedov (8-1): WBA #5 After suffering his first loss at the hands of Mario Barrios (26-0), Akhmedov came back last September and finished Rey Perez (24-12) in less than 3 minutes. -Petros Ananyan (15-2): IBF #14 Ananyan ended the undefeated streak of Subriel Matias (16-1) back in February of last year. Lightweight: -Zapir Rasulov (35-1): WBA #15 Rasulov scored his 31st knockout last October. He is scheduled to compete again in April. (Opponent TBA) -Elnur Samedov (11-1): IBF #14 Despite suffering an early flash knockdown, Samedov came back to dominate Alexander Podolsky (11-2), successfully retaining his WBA Continental title. -Zaur Abdullaev (12-1): IBF #8 / WBC #9 Zaur dropped Pavel Malikov (16-3) multiple times in his comeback fight. Super Featherweight: -Mark Urvanov (18-2): WBA Gold champion Urvanov delivered a stunning KO last year, ending the undefeated streak of Akzhol Sulaimanbek Uulu (15-1) and became the inaugural WBA Gold champion. He was meant to challenge Rene Alvarado (32-9) for the World title, before the Nicaraguan lost his belt to Roger Gutierrez (25-3) at the beginning of the year. -Shavkat Rakhimov (15-0): IBF #1 The unstoppable Rakhimov was meant to fight Joseph Diaz (31-1) for the IBF championship on February 13th but he recently tested positive for COVID-19 so the match is off. -Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov (16-0): WBC #6 / IBF #15 Yaqubov earned the biggest win of his career in 2020 when he outclassed former World champion Tomas Rojas (52-19) in Ekaterinburg. Featherweight: -Tugstsogt Nyambayar (12-1): WBC #3 / WBA #8 The 2012 Olympic Silver medalist unsuccessfully challenged Gary Russell Jr. (31-1) for the WBC World championship in 2020. -Andranik Grigoryan (12-0): WBA #10 Grigoryan defeated former IBF Intercontinental champion Andrei Isayeu (30-19) half a year ago. Super Bantamweight: -Murodjon Akhmadaliev (8-0): WBA & IBF World champion. The 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist will mark his inaugural defense against the interim IBF champion Ryosuke Iwasa (27-3) on March 13th. Bantamweight: -Nikolai Potapov (22-2): IBF #6 / WBO #8 Potapov earned a unanimous decision win over former WBA Intercontinental champion Oleksandr Hryshchuk (16-3) a few weeks ago. Super Flyweight: -Mikhail Aloyan (5-1): WBA Gold champion The 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist will defend his WBA Gold belt against Pablo Carrillo (25-7) this coming spring. Flyweight: -Olimjon Nazarov (25-5): WBO #5 Nazarov has been on an impressive 12 fight winning streak since 2018. By - George Delis (@Delisketo)
Heavyweight: -Zhilei Zhang (21-0): WBO #10 / IBF #13 The 2008 Olympic Silver medalist defended his WBO Oriental title against Andriy Rudenko (32-5). Cruiserweight: -Muhamad Farkhan (11-0): WBA #13 Malaysian knockout artist Muhamad Farkhan stopped Pascal Abel Ndomba (25-10), back in December, to capture the WBA & WBC Asia championships. Light Heavyweight: -Meng Fanlong (16-0): IBF #1 / WBC #15 Meng will challenge Artur Beterbiev (15-0) for the IBF title, on March 28th, in Canada. Welterweight: -Manny Pacquiao (62-7): WBA (Super) World champion Pacman looks to Danny Garcia (36-2) or Errol Spence Jr. (26-0) as his potential next opponent. Super Lightweight: -Apinun Khongsong (16-0): IBF #1 / WBA #12 Apinun is set to clash with the unified WBA (Super) & IBF champion Josh Taylor (16-0) on May 2nd. -Daud Yordan (40-4): WBO #11 Yordan was supposed to fight in Singapore next month, but due the coronavirus outbreak, the fight was cancelled. Super Featherweight: -Joe Noynay (18-2): WBO #4 / IBF #14 Noynay earned the biggest win of his career last summer when he dominated the 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist Satoshi Shimizu (8-1) to retain his WBO Asia Pacific title. His defence over Kenichi Ogawa (24-1) ended in a technical draw. -Yongqiang Yang (13-0): WBO #13 The WBO Global champion was meant to face Masayuki Ito (26-2) in a world title eliminator, but due to the coronavirus outbreak in China, the entire event was cancelled. Yang is also ranked #15 at the IBF Lightweight rankings. -Xiao Tao Su (11-1): WBO #14 Tao Su dispatched Shota Yukawa (11-6) in one round to win the vacant WBO Oriental title. Featherweight: -Can Xu (18-2): WBA (Regular) World champion The Chinese star has set his sights on fighting Josh Warrington (30-0). -Mark Magsayo (20-0): IBF #4 / WBC #5 / WBA #11 Magsayo beat the former 2 time World champion Panya Uthok (53-8) back in August. The unbeaten Filipino is now training under Freddie Roach. Super Bantamweight: -Thattana Luangphon (10-0): WBC #13 The undefeated Thai fighter had an impressive 2019, winning 6 fights as well as the WBC Asia championship. His most recent one was on March 7th against Artid Bamrungauea (26-30). -Albert Pagara (32-1): WBO #6 The former WBO & IBF Intercontinental champion has been working as the sparring partner for Naoya Inoue since last month. -Mike Plania (23-1): WBA #11 / IBF #12 Plania earned a unanimous decision over Giovanni Gutierrez (10-1), winning the IBF North American title in the process. -Alie Laurel (18-4): WBO #13 Laurel stopped Jun Eraham (22-39) on February 15th. -Jhunriel Ramonal (17-8): WBC #12 Ramonal knocked out Yusaku Kuga (19-4) on New Year’s Eve, becoming the new WBO Asia Pacific champion. -Jeo Santisima (19-3): WBO #4 Santisima came up short in his world title fight against the WBO champion Emanuel Navarrete (31-1). -Marlon Tapales (33-3): IBF #4 Tapales lost to Ryosuke Iwasa (27-3), on December 7th, in an interim IBF title match. Bantamweight: -John Riel Casimero (29-4): WBO World champion Casimero dispatched Zolani Tete (28-4) within 3 rounds, becoming a 3 division World champion in the process. A unification fight with the WBA (Super) & IBF title holder Naoya Inoue (19-0) will take place on April 25th. -Nawaphon Kaikanha (48-1): WBC #2 Nawaphon has been undefeated in his last 12 bouts, including KO victories over former World champions Sonny Boy Jaro (45-15) as well as Amnat Ruenroeng (20-3). -Nonito Donaire (40-6): WBC #1 / WBO #4 The 4 division World champion will meet Nordine Oubaali (17-0) for the WBC title on May 16th. -Tasana Salapat (55-1): WBC #8 / WBA #7 Salapat scored his 40th knockout last month in Thailand, capturing the WBC Asia Diamond title as well. -Reymart Gaballo (23-0): WBA #1 / IBF #6 The former interim WBA champion outclassed Chaiwat Buatkrathok (32-3) in his most recent fight. -Vincent Astrolabio (15-3): WBO #10 Astrolabio defended his WBO Oriental title against Wilbert Berondo (14-5). -Michael Dasmarinas (30-2): IBF #1 / WBO #6 / WBC #14 Dasmarinas will square off with Chaiwat Buatkrathok (33-3) on May 16th. -Jun Zhao (13-2): WBA #14 After making short work of Jay Francis Buray (11-2) this January, Zhao put his WBA Asia title on the line once again on March 13th against Kai Chiba (12-1). Super Flyweight: -Jerwin Ancajas (32-1): IBF World champion Ancajas will mark his 9th title defense, against Jonathan Javier Rodriguez (21-1), on April 11th. -Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (47-5): WBC #1 / WBO #11 The former 2 time WBC champion will finally make his in ring return on April 4th against Amnat Ruenroeng (20-3). -Donnie Nietes (42-1): WBC #5 After missing 2019 due to a shoulder injury, the 4 division World champion is planning on making a comeback this year. -Sirichai Thaiyen (57-4): WBA #1 The former interim WBA titlist has been 7-0 since losing to Artem Dalakian. -Jade Bornea (15-0): IBF #7 / WBA #14 Bornea fought and beat Ernesto Delgadillo (11-1) on January 30th. -Froilan Saludar (31-4): WBO #9 Saludar lost his WBO Asia Pacific title to Ryoji Fukunaga (12-4). -Komgrich Nantapech (27-5): IBF #13 Nantapech has won his last 5 fights. -KJ Cataraja (11-0): WBO #13 Cataraja stopped Crison Omayao (24-22) a few months ago. Flyweight: -Giemel Magramo (24-1): WBO #1 Magramo and Junto Nakatani (20-0) were meant to clash for the vacant WBO World title on April 4th in Tokyo, but since the Japan Professional Boxing Association and Japan Boxing Commission have suspended all the fights in the country, it’s not known if the match will be postponed or change its location. -Jayson Mama (15-0): IBF #3 / WBO #8 The undefeated Filipino had an impressive 2019, with victories over Teeraphong Utaida (39-7) and former World champion Ekkawit Songnui (49-7). -Wenfeng Ge (12-1): WBO #7 Wenfeng earned the biggest victory of his career when he outboxed 2 division World champion Suriyan Satorn (60-8) to capture the WBO Global title. -Dave Apolinario (13-0): WBA #11 / IBF #15 Apolinario added 4 more wins to his record in 2019. -Jayr Raquinel (12-1): WBC #9 / IBF #12 / WBA #15 Raquinel returned after almost an entire year of inactivity this past summer, and stopped former world title challenger Takuya Kogawa (30-6) as well as Indonesian journeyman Jack Amisa (21-47) -Genisis Libranza (19-1): IBF #6 / WBC #12 Libranza has been 8-0 since losing to Moruti Mthalane. Light Flyweight: -Panya Pradabsri (32-1): WBO #2 / WBA #4 / WBC #11 Pradabsri knocked out former world title challenger Jerry Tomogdan (29-11) in less than 2 minutes. He might be next in line to fight the WBA (Regular) champion Carlos Canizales (22-0). -Tibo Monabesa (20-1): WBC #5 Monabesa meets Toto Landero (11-4) on March 21st for the WBC International championship. -Andika Fredikson Ha'e (17-0): WBA #2 / WBO #8 “D’Golden Boy” defended his WBA Asia title against Richard Rosales (14-12). -Thanongsak Simsri (14-0): WBA #12 Undefeated Thai fighter Simsri won a very close decision over Christian Bacolod (12-1) in Japan. -Edward Heno (14-1): WBO #9 Heno unsuccessfully challenged the WBO World champion Elwin Soto (17-1). -Mark Vicelles (11-0): WBO #11 / WBC #12 Vicelles defeated Jesse Espinas (20-4) last summer. -Christian Araneta (17-1): IBF #9 Araneta lost an IBF eliminator to Daniel Valladares (22-1). -John Michael Zulueta (11-0): WBA #14 / IBF #15 Zulueta captured the IBF Asia title last September. Strawweight: -Thammanoon Niyomtrong (21-0): WBA World champion The undefeated Thai champion defended his crown, for the 8th time, against Norihito Tanaka (19-8). -Pedro Taduran (14-2): IBF World champion Taduran fought Daniel Valladares (22-1) to a technical draw. -Chayaphon Moonsri (54-0): WBC World champion Moonsri defends next on April 25th against Marco John Rementizo (12-3). -Jing Xiang (17-4): WBO #1 / WBC #10 / WBA #8 Xiang won the WBO International title on his Strawweight debut. -Lito Dante (17-11): IBF #8 The OPBF champion was meant to face Masataka Taniguchi (12-3) on March 17th but the match has cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak in Japan. -Rene Mark Cuarto (18-2): IBF #3 / WBO #9 Cuarto defeated Jayson Francisco (5-2) 3 months ago. -Victorio Saludar (20-4): WBO #2 / WBA #7 The former WBO champion knocked out Mike Kinaadman (7-13) last December. -Robert Paradero (18-0): WBO #7 / IBF #6 / WBA #15 Paradero hasn’t fought since April of 2019. -Melvin Jerusalem (15-2): WBC #1 / IBF #4 / WBO #5 Jerusalem defeated Reymark Taday (10-12) in his most recent fight. -Samuel Salva (18-1): IBF #7 / WBO #14 Salva suffered an injury in his match with Pedro Taduran (14-2), costing him the opportunity to become the IBF champion. He bounced back with a win over Donny Mabao (23-43) on January 19th. ![]() By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Heavyweight: -Alexander Povetkin (35-2): WBA #8 / WBC #10 The former Olympic & World champion will challenge Dillian Whyte (27-1) on May 2nd for the interim WBC title. -Evgeny Romanov (14-0): WBO #8 Romanov kept his undefeated record intact throughout 2019 and also became the inaugural WBO Global Heavyweight champion. -Sergey Kuzmin (15-1): WBA #13 Kuzmin’s fight with Zhang Zhilei (21-0) was cancelled due to the Russian suffering an injury during training. Cruiserweight: -Aleksei Egorov (10-0): WBA Gold champion Egorov will face combat sports veteran Vasil Ducar (8-2) on March 12th. -Evgeny Tishchenko (7-0): WBO #7 / IBF #12 The 2016 Olympic champion successfully defended his WBO Intercontinental title, for the second time, against Marcos Antonio Aumada (21-9) this past weekend. -Ruslan Fayfer (25-1): IBF #1 / WBC #4 / WBO #6 / WBA #12 Fayfer defeated Yury Kashinsky (19-1) to become the #1 contender for the IBF championship. He will now clash with Dmitry Kudryashov, on May 8th, in a WBC eliminator. -Aleksei Papin (11-1): WBC #8 The former kickboxing star & 2 time IBF International champion wants a revenge match with Ilunga Makabu (27-2). -Dmitry Kudryashov (24-3): WBC #10 / IBF #14 As mentioned above, Kudryashov will take on Ruslan Fayfer next. -Yury Kashinsky (16-1): IBF #8 / WBA #9 / WBC #12 Kashinsky knocked out Cesar David Crenz (25-15) on February 12th. Light Heavyweight: -Artur Beterbiev (15-0): IBF & WBC World champion The unified WBC & IBF champion defends his belts against mandatory challenger Fanlong Meng (16-0), on March 28th, in Canada. It’s also worth mentioning that, according to a representative of the Russian Boxing federation, a major event will take place at the Gazprom Arena (67K capacity), this coming August, which will be headlined by Beterbiev. -Dmitry Bivol (17-0): WBA (Super) World champion No news on when Bivol’s 7th defense takes place. -Maksim Vlasov (45-3): WBO #3 / IBF #9 Vlasov defended his WBO Global title twice last year. He will take on Umar Salamov as part of a 4man tournament for the vacant WBO World championship this summer. -Igor Mikhalkin (23-2): WBC #9 / IBF #10 / WBO #14 / WBA #12 Mikhalkin will have the opportunity to become a 2 time European champion, when he meets Callum Johnson (18-1) in Manchester, for the vacant EBU title, on March 7th. -Rustam Tulaganov (3-0): WBA #15 The 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist defeated Norbert Dabrowski (23-9) last month to win his 1st professional title. Tulaganov is set to defend his WBA Continental belt on April 4th. (Opponent TBA) -Umar Salamov (25-1): WBO #2 / IBF #4 / WBA #8 Salamov successfully retained the WBO International title for the 3rd time after knocking out Emmanuel Danso (32-5) back in September. As aforementioned, a fight with Maksim Vlasov will take place in summer. -Sergey Kovalev (34-4): WBO #6 / WBC #7 The former WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF World champion will return to the ring on April 25th, when he goes up against Sullivan Barrera (22-3). Super Middleweight: -Fedor Chudinov (22-2): WBA Gold champion Fedor fought 4 times in 2019, capturing the WBA Gold championship in the process. He will mark his inaugural defense over 2x world title challenger Isaac Chilemba (26-7) on March 21st, in Vladikavkaz. -Aidos Yerbossynuly (13-0): WBA #2 / WBO #8 / IBF #13 The unified WBA International, WBO Global & WBC Asia Continental champion defended his belts this past December, against Omar Garcia (15-3), whom he knocked out in the 8th round. According to his manager, Aidos has already started training for his next bout. The details will be revealed soon. -Azizbek Abdugofurov (13-0): WBC #2 Azizbek will put his WBC Silver title on the line against the WBO International champion Lerrone Richards (13-0) on April 18th. -Aslambek Idigov (18-0): WBO #7 The WBO & IBF European champion fought and beat former MMA fighter Ryan Ford (17-6) on February 21st to also capture the WBA Asia title. -Bektemir Melikuziev (5-0): WBA #15 The 2016 Olympic Silver medalist made short work of Oscar Cortes (27-6) on Valentine’s Day. His next match will be in April. -Vladimir Shishkin (10-0): WBC #12 Shishkin remained undefeated on January 17th while also ruining Ulises Sierra’s (15-1) perfect record in the process. -Ali Akhmedov (16-0): WBC #15 Akhmedov defended his WBC International Silver title against Andrew Hernandez (20-8) a few months ago. -Evgeny Shvedenko (13-0): IBF #7 Shvedenko earned 2 unanimous decision victories over Nadjib Mohammedi (42-8) and Nuhu Lawal (27-6) last year. He will now fight Rowan Campbell (12-0) on March 28th for the vacant IBO title. Middleweight: -Gennady Golovkin (40-1): IBF World champion Triple G will mark his inaugural IBF title defense against Kamil Szeremeta (21-0) in May or June. -Kanat Islam (27-0): WBO #3 The 2008 Olympic Bronze medalist made his triumphant return after a 2 year hiatus and demolished Julio De Jesus (27-2) in 14 seconds to become the new WBO International champion. He then defeated former world title challenger Walter Kautondokwa (18-2) last October. -Magomed Madiev (14-0): WBA #2 Madiev won a hard fought battle with Evgeny Terentiev (15-3) to defend his Eurasian title. -Janibek Alimkhanuly (8-0): WBO #4 / WBC #9 / IBF #12 The 2013 AIBA World champion knocked out Albert Onolunose (24-3) in November to successfully defend his WBO Global & WBC Continental Americas titles. His next opponent will be the undefeated Issah Samir (18-0), whom he’ll face on March 28th in Canada. -Meiirim Nursultanov (13-0): IBF #8 Nursultanov took a unanimous decision over Christian Olivas (18-6) to win the WBC US title this past November. Super Welterweight: -Israil Madrimov (5-0): WBA #2 Madrimov dominated the former world title challenger Charlie Navarro (29-10) in a WBA final eliminator. -Bakhram Murtazaliev (17-0): IBF #1 / WBO #3 / WBC #14 Murtazaliev has scored victories over Elvin Ayala (29-13), Bruno Leonardo Romay (21-8) and Jorge Fortea (20-2) in 2019. -Magomed Kurbanov (19-0): WBA #5 / WBO #7 / WBC #10 The 2 time WBO International champion went to war with Ismail Iliev (12-2) on March 7th and came out victorious. Welterweight: -Alexander Besputin (14-0): WBA (Regular) World champion Besputin tested positive for a banned substance and could be stripped of his title. -Sergey Lipinets (16-1): WBO #3 / IBF #3 / WBC #9 The former IBF Super Lightweight World champion will lock horns with the undefeated Kudratillo Abdukakhorov, on May 16th, for the interim IBF title. -David Avanesyan (26-3): WBC #5 / IBF #6 / WBA #6 / WBO #10 Avanesyan will put his European title on the line, against the former WBA International champion Josh Kelly (10-0), on March 28th. -Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (17-0): IBF #1 / WBC #7 / WBO #9 As mentioned above, Kudratillo will clash with Lipinets in May. -Nursultan Zhangabayev (8-0): WBA #7 / IBF #7 / WBO #15 Zhangabayev was supposed to defend his WBA Intercontinental title against Ernesto Espana (30-2) in December of 2019 but the match was cancelled due to an injury. Super Lightweight: -Shakhram Giyasov (9-0): WBA #7 The 2016 Olympic Silver medalist slept the former interim WBA champion Darleys Perez (34-5), in less than a minute, this past summer. -Shohjahon Ergashev (18-0): WBA #6 / IBF #6 / WBO #12 Ergashev stopped Adrian Estrella (29-5) in the opening round of their contest, with a nasty body shot. -Zhankosh Turarov (24-0) WBO #9 The WBO Intercontinental champion will defend his strap against Alexander Duran (20-0), on March 28th, in Almaty. -Batyrzhan Jukembayev (18-0): IBF #8 / WBC #11 / WBA #15 Jukembayev scored a major victory, this past September, defeating longtime World Lightweight title holder Miguel Vazquez (42-9) to become the WBA Continental & IBF Intercontinental champion. He then knocked out Ricardo Lara (22-8) on January 25th. -Eduard Troyanovsky (28-2): WBC #7 / IBF #14 The former IBF World champion faces Matias Raimundo Diaz (8-5) on March 13th. -Batyr Akhmedov (7-1): WBA #5 Akhmedov and Mario Barrios (25-0) are very likely to meet again for the WBA (Regular) title later this year. Lightweight: -Roman Andreev (23-0): WBO #4 / IBF #12 The former WBO European & Intercontinental champion has signed with Top Rank and will be making his US debut in the coming months. -Pavel Malikov (16-1): IBF #8 / WBO #14 Malikov earned a majority decision against former world title challenger Isa Chaniev (13-3). -Zapir Rasulov (34-1): WBA #15 The Russian knockout artist will face Augusto Pinilla (16-14) on April 21st. -Viktor Kotochigov (11-0): WBC #11 Kotochigov defended his WBC International title against Javier Jose Clavero (27-7) this past December. -Zaur Abdullaev (11-1): WBC #6 Zaur suffered an injury during his interim WBC title fight with Devin Haney (24-0) and couldn’t capture the gold. Super Featherweight: -Mark Urvanov (18-2): WBA Gold champion Urvanov delivered a stunning KO to end the undefeated streak of Akzhol Sulaimanbek Uulu (15-1) and to become the inaugural WBA Gold champion. -Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov (16-0): WBC #7 / WBO #8 / IBF #15 Yaqubov earned the biggest win of his career on March 7th, defeating former World champion Tomas Rojas (51-19) in Ekaterinburg and retaining his WBC International title. -Shavkat Rakhimov (15-0): IBF #1 / WBC #3 Rakhimov knocked out Azinga Fuzile (14-1) in an IBF final eliminator. -Akzhol Sulaimanbek Uulu (15-1): WBA #6 Uulu suffered his first loss at the hands of Mark Urvanov. Featherweight: -Tugstsogt Nyambayar (11-1): WBC #3 The 2012 Olympic Silver medalist unsuccessfully challenged Gary Russell Jr. (31-1) for the WBC World championship in February. Super Bantamweight: -Murodjon Akhmadaliev (8-0): WBA & IBF World champion. The 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist edged Daniel Roman (27-3) to become a World champion at the age of 25. His next opponent could be the interim IBF title holder Ryosuke Iwasa (27-3). Bantamweight: -Nikolai Potapov (21-2): WBO #9 / IBF #10 Potapov got the DQ victory over Nasibu Ramadhani (29-15) in October. Super Flyweight: -Mikhail Aloyan (5-1): WBA Gold champion The 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist made a successful in ring comeback on December 10th, besting Ronal Batista (12-2) to capture the WBA Gold championship. Flyweight: -Olimjon Nazarov (22-5): WBO #9 Nazarov has been on an impressive 9 fight winning streak since 2018. His latest victory was over Orlie Silvestre (15-6) on February 29th for the vacant WBO Oriental title. ![]() By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Middleweight: -Ryota Murata (16-2): WBA (Regular) World champion The Olympic champion knocked out Steven Butler (28-2) in his inaugural WBA title defence on New Year’s Eve. A fight with Canelo could take place in December. Super Welterweight: -Takeshi Inoue (16-1): WBA #10 / WBO #11 / IBF #14 / WBC #15 Inoue made short work of Thai veteran Komsan Polsan (40-12) to become the WBO Asia Pacific champion for a second time. He also dominated Chinese fighter Cheng Su (14-3) on January 18th. Welterweight: -Keita Obara (23-4): IBF #4 Obara successfully challenged Yuki Nagano (17-3) on February 1st, winning the Japanese strap once more, this time in a different weight class. -Yuki Beppu (21-1): WBO #14 In what was an absolute thriller, Yuki Beppu came back from 5 knockdowns and stopped Ryota Yada (19-6), capturing the WBO Asia Pacific title in the process. Super Lightweight: -Koki Inoue (15-0): WBO #15 The unified Japanese & WBO Asia Pacific champion will put his national title on the line, against Daishi Nagata (14-2) on May 28th. -Andy Hiraoka (15-0): IBF #15 The Japanese youngster will compete on April 25th at the undercard of Inoue vs. Casimero. (Opponent TBA) Lightweight: -Shuichiro Yoshino (12-0): WBO #13 / WBC #13 / IBF #14 Yoshino knocked out Harmonito Dela Torre (21-3) in just one round to unify the Japanese, OBPF & WBO Asia Pacific belts. He then defeated Izuki Tomioka (7-3) on February 13th. Super Featherweight: -Masayuki Ito (26-2): WBO #5 / WBC #13 The former WBO champion is currently out of action due to an injury. -Kenichi Ogawa (24-1): IBF #3 / WBA #4 / WBO #7 Ogawa is expected to compete on April 4th in Japan.* -Kazuhiro Nishitani (21-4): IBF #8 Nishitani beat Monico Laurente (30-17) 3 months ago. Featherweight: -Tomoki Kameda (36-3): WBA #4 / WBC #14 The former WBO Bantamweight & interim WBC Super Bantamweight champion is planning his Featherweight debut. -Musashi Mori (11-0): WBO #6 Mori defended his WBO Asia Pacific title twice in 2019, against the former champion Richard Pumicpic (21-11) as well as Takuya Mizuno (17-2). He’s now scheduled to meet Shingo Kawamura (16-5) on April 18th. -Ryo Sagawa (9-1): WBC #7 / IBF #12 Sagawa will defend his Japanese title against Hinata Maruta (10-1) on April 9th.* Super Bantamweight: -Ryosuke Iwasa (27-3): interim IBF World champion Iwasa secured the interim IBF title, after stopping Marlon Tapales (33-3), this past December. He is expected to unify with the new WBA/IBF champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev (8-0) later this year. -Hiroaki Teshigawara (21-2): IBF #6 Teshigawara has defended his OPBF championship 3 times in 2019, against Yuki Iriguchi (10-3), Shohei Kawashima (18-4) and former world title challenger Shohei Omori (21-3). All knockout victories. -Yukinori Oguni (21-2): WBA #4 The former IBF champion hasn’t fought in almost a year. Bantamweight -Naoya Inoue (19-0): WBA (Super) & IBF World champion The Monster will be involved in another unification match, on April 25th, this time with the WBO champion John Riel Casimero (29-4). -Keita Kurihara (15-5): IBF #5 Kurihara scored 2 knockout victories in 2019 over 1x world title challenger Warlito Parrenas (26-10) and the IBF Pan Pacific champion Sukpraserd Ponpitak (25-11). -Yuki Strong Kobayashi (16-8): IBF #12 / WBO #14 Kobayashi defended his WBO Asia Pacific title against Ki Chang Go (8-4) last December. -Takuma Inoue (13-1): WBC #7 The former interim WBC champion will resume his career in 2020. Super Flyweight: -Kazuto Ioka (25-2): WBO World champion. Japan’s first ever 4 division World champion broke the undefeated streak of Jeyvier Cintron (11-1) to successfully retain his WBO title on New Year’s Eve. The newly crowned WBA champion Roman Gonzalez (49-2) has expressed interest in a unification match between them. -Kosei Tanaka (15-0): WBO #1 / WBC #3 The 3 division World champion has relinquished his WBO Flyweight belt and now aims at Kazuto Ioka. -Kenta Nakagawa (18-3): IBF #14 The Japanese champion will defend against Yuta Matsuo (15-4) on May 16th. Flyweight: -Junto Nakatani (20-0): WBO #3 / IBF #7 Nakatani scored the biggest win of his career last October, when he outclassed former IBF World titlist Milan Melindo (37-5). He will now square off with Giemel Magramo (24-1), on April 4th, for the vacant WBO World championship.* -Ryota Yamauchi (6-1): WBA #3 Yamauchi beat MJ Bo (8-4) on Valentine’s Day. Light Flyweight: -Hiroto Kyoguchi (14-0): WBA (Super) World champion. Kyoguchi will return to action either in April or in May. -Kenshiro Teraji (17-0): WBC World champion. The unstoppable Kenshiro marked his 7th title defense, on December 23rd, over former interim WBA champion Randy Petalcorin (31-4). -Sho Kimura (19-3): WBO #6 / WBA #9 In a clash of former World champions, Kimura knocked out Merlito Sabillo (27-8) in the Philippines. -Daiki Tomita (14-1): WBO #13 Tomita returned the WBO Asia Pacific title and was meant to meet Kenichi Horikawa (40-16) for the vacant OPBF championship on March 1st, but much like most fights in Japan, has been cancelled due to the coronavirus. -Yuto Takahashi (11-4): IBF #6 The Japanese champion defends against Masamichi Yabuki (10-3) on April 5th.* [Editors note - This bout will now take place May 6th] -Reiya Konishi (17-2): IBF #8 / WBC #13 Konishi takes on Rikito Shiba (4-1) on April 18th. -Masamichi Yabuki (10-3): WBC #9 Yabuki challenges Yuto Takahashi for the Japanese belt as aforementioned. -Tetsuya Hisada (34-10): WBC #2 / IBF #4 Hisada’s impressive 13 fight winning streak came to an end, when he challenged Hiroto Kyoguchi for the WBA (Super) title. -Kenichi Horikawa (40-16): WBC #3 / IBF #12 As mentioned above, Horikawa’s fight with Daiki Tomita was cancelled. Strawweight: -Ginjiro Shigeoka (5-0): WBA #5 / WBO #13 / WBC #14 / IBF #14 Shigeoka knocked out 1x world title challenger Rey Loreto (25-15) on December 31st to retain his WBO Asia Pacific championship. -Masataka Taniguchi (12-3): WBO #3 Taniguchi’s match with Lito Dante (16-11) was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. -Takumi Sakae (22-3): WBO #10 / IBF #12 Sakae fought thrice last year, knocking out all of his opponents. -Tsubasa Koura (14-1): WBC #11 / IBF #13 Koura stopped Ariston Aton (9-3) on February 27th. -Norihito Tanaka (19-8): WBC #4 / WBO #4 / WBA #10 Tanaka failed to capture the WBA title from Thammanoon Niyomtrong (21-0). *Recently the JBC & JPBA have announced that all boxing events in the country, until April 15th, have been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. So these fights might have to move to different date or venue. ** Editors Note - Asianboxing has been informed that Yuto Takahashi Vs Masamichi Yabuki has now been rescheduled for May 6th ![]() By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Heavyweight: -Zhilei Zhang (21-0): WBO #10 / IBF #14 The 2008 Olympic Silver medalist defended his WBO Oriental title against Andriy Rudenko (32-5) in Monaco. Cruiserweight: -Muhamad Farkhan (11-0): WBA #13 Malaysian knockout artist Muhamad Farkhan stopped Pascal Abel Ndomba (24-10), on December 29th, to capture the WBA & WBC Asia championships. Light Heavyweight: -Meng Fanlong (16-0): IBF #1 / WBC #15 Meng will challenge Artur Beterbiev (15-0) for the IBF title, on March 28th, in Canada. Welterweight: -Manny Pacquiao (62-7): WBA (Super) World champion Pacman’s looks to former World champions Danny Garcia (36-2) and Shawn Porter (30-3) as his potential opponents for 2020. Super Lightweight: -Apinun Khongsong (16-0): IBF #1 Apinun is set to clash with the IBF champion Josh Taylor (16-0) possibly in May. -Daud Yordan (40-4): WBO #11 The former world title contender earned his 28th KO victory last November, over Michael Mokoena (15-5), back in his home country of Indonesia. Yordan has resumed training while waiting for his next fight. Lightweight: -Xiangxiang Sun (16-0): IBF #13 Sun defended his IBF Asia title against Monico Laurente (30-17) last year. Super Featherweight: -Joe Noynay (18-2): WBO #4 Noynay earned the biggest win of his career last summer as he dominated 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist Satoshi Shimizu (8-1) to retain his WBO Asia Pacific crown. His defense over Kenichi Ogawa (24-1) ended in a technical draw. -Xiao Tao Su (11-1): WBO #14 The Chinese fighter dispatched Shota Yukawa (11-6) in one round to win the vacant WBO Oriental title. Featherweight: -Can Xu (18-2): WBA (Regular) World champion The Chinese star defended his belt in a one sided affair against Manny Robles III (18-1) on November 23rd. His next goal is to fight Josh Warrington (30-0). -Mark Magsayo (20-0): WBC #6 / WBA #11 / IBF #15 Magsayo beat the former 2 time World champion Panya Uthok (53-8) back in August. The unbeaten Filipino will now be training under legendary boxing coach Freddie Roach. Super Bantamweight: -Jeo Santisima (19-2): WBO #4 Santisima challenges Emanuel Navarrete (30-1) for the WBO World championship on February 22nd. -Albert Pagara (32-1): WBO #6 The former WBO & IBF Intercontinental champion made short work of Ratchanon Sawangsoda (12-4) last summer. -Mike Plania (23-1): IBF #13 Plania earned a unanimous decision over Giovanni Gutierrez (10-1), winning the IBF North American title in the process. -Thattana Luangphon (9-0): WBC #14 The undefeated Thai fighter had an impressive 2019, winning 6 fights as well as the WBC Asia championship. -Alie Laurel (17-4): WBO #14 Laurel defeated Ernesto Saulong (22-6) for the WBO Oriental title. -Jhunriel Ramonal (17-8): WBC #13 In a surprising turn of events, Ramonal knocked out Yusaku Kuga (19-4) on New Year’s Eve, becoming the new WBO Asia Pacific champion. -Marlon Tapales (33-3): IBF #5 Tapales lost to Ryosuke Iwasa (27-3), on December 7th, in an interim IBF title match. Bantamweight: -John Riel Casimero (29-4): WBO World champion Casimero dispatched Zolani Tete (28-4) within 3 rounds, becoming a 3 division World champion in the process. A unification fight with the WBA (Super) & IBF title holder Naoya Inoue (19-0) will take place on April 25th. -Nawaphon Kaikanha (48-1): WBC #2 Nawaphon has been undefeated in his last 12 bouts, including KO victories over former World champions Sonny Boy Jaro (45-15) as well as Amnat Ruenroeng (20-3). -Nonito Donaire (40-6): WBC #1 / WBO #4 The 4 division World champion will meet Nordine Oubaali (17-0) for the WBC title, probably before summer. -Tasana Salapat (54-1): WBC #8 / WBA #9 Salapat scored his 39th knockout a few weeks ago in Thailand. -Michael Dasmarinas (30-2): IBF #1 / WBO #7 / WBC #12 No word on what’s next for Dasmarinas, who has been the IBF mandatory challenger since March of last year. -Reymart Gaballo (23-0): WBA #4 / IBF #6 / WBO #15 The former interim WBA champion outclassed Chaiwat Buatkrathok (32-3) in his most recent fight. -Karoon Jarupianlerd (44-9): WBA #13 Karoon earned a unanimous decision over Renz Rosia (16-9) this past September. -Vincent Astrolabio (15-3): WBO #11 Astrolabio defended his WBO Oriental title against Wilbert Berondo (14-5). -Jun Zhao (13-2): WBA #14 After making short work of Jay Francis Buray (11-2) this January, Zhao put his WBA Asia title on the line once again on March 30th against Kai Chiba (12-1). Super Flyweight: -Jerwin Ancajas (32-1): IBF World champion Ancajas will mark his 9th title defense, against Jonathan Javier Rodriguez (21-1), in April. -Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (47-5): WBC #1 / WBO #7 The former 2 time WBC champion is expected to return in the ring soon. -Donnie Nietes (42-1): WBC #5 After missing 2019 due to a shoulder injury, the 4 division World champion is planning on making a comeback this year. -Sirichai Thaiyen (57-4): WBA #3 The former interim WBA titlist has been 7-0 since losing to Artem Dalakian. -Jade Bornea (15-0): IBF #6 / WBA #15 Bornea fought and beat fellow unbeaten prospect Ernesto Delgadillo (11-1) on January 30th and also captured the NABF title. -Froilan Saludar (31-3): WBO #9 Saludar defends his WBO Asia Pacific title, against Ryoji Fukunaga (11-4), on February 14th. -Komgrich Nantapech (27-5): IBF #13 The former world title challenger fought 2 back to back matches last year, stopping both of his opponents. - KJ Cataraja (11-0): WBO #12 Cataraja stopped Crison Omayao (24-22) a few months ago. -Sarawut Thawornkham (21-2): WBA #13 Thawornkham TKOed Samuel Tehuayo (21-46) winning the WBA Asia title as well. Flyweight: -Giemel Magramo (24-1): WBO #1 / IBF #3 / WBC #4 / WBA #5 Magramo and Angel Acosta (21-1) might be squaring off in the near future for the vacant WBO World title. -Jayson Mama (14-0): IBF #4 / WBO #8 The undefeated Filipino had an impressive 2019, with victories over Teeraphong Utaida (39-7) and former World champion Ekkawit Songnui (49-7). -Wenfeng Ge (12-1): WBO #7 Wenfeng earned the biggest victory of his career when he outboxed 2 division World champion Suriyan Satorn (60-8) to capture the WBO Global title. -Dave Apolinario (13-0): WBA #14 Apolinario added 4 more wins to his record in 2019. -Jayr Raquinel (12-1): WBC #12 / IBF #15 Raquinel returned after almost an entire year of inactivity this past summer, and stopped former world title challenger Takuya Kogawa (30-6) as well as Indonesian journeyman Jack Amisa (21-47) -Genisis Libranza (19-1): IBF #8 / WBC #15 Libranza has been 8-0 since losing to Moruti Mthalane. Light Flyweight: -Tibo Monabesa (20-1): WBC #7 / IBF #14 Monabesa wants a shot at the WBC champion Kenshiro Teraji (17-0). -Panya Pradabsri (30-1): WBO #3 / WBA #5 / WBC #14 Pradabsri knocked out former world title challenger Jerry Tomogdan (29-11) on December 20th in less than 2 minutes. -Andika Fredikson Ha'e (17-0): WBA #2 / WBO #9 “D’Golden Boy” defended his WBA Asia title against Richard Rosales (14-11). -Thanongsak Simsri (13-0): WBA #12 Undefeated Thai fighter Simsri won a very close decision over Christian Bacolod (12-1) in Japan. -Edward Heno (14-1): WBO #10 Heno unsuccessfully challenged the WBO World champion Elwin Soto (16-1). -Mark Vicelles (11-0): WBO #11 / WBC #15 Vicelles defeated Jesse Espinas (20-4) last summer. -Christian Araneta (17-1): IBF #9 Araneta lost an IBF eliminator to Daniel Valladares (22-1). -John Michael Zulueta (11-0): WBA #14 Zulueta captured the IBF Asia title last September. Strawweight: -Thammanoon Niyomtrong (20-0): WBA World champion The undefeated Thai champion has defended his belt 7 times. -Pedro Taduran (14-2): IBF World champion Taduran fought Daniel Valladares (22-1) to a technical draw. -Chayaphon Moonsri (54-0): WBC World champion Moonsri beat Simpiwe Konkco (19-6) back in October to mark his 12th successful defense. -Jing Xiang (17-4): WBO #1 / WBC #8 / WBA #11 Xiang won the WBO International title on his Strawweight debut. -Lito Dante (16-11): IBF #9 The OPBF champion will face Sulis Barrera (4-7) on February 8th and then has a date with former world title challenger Masataka Taniguchi (12-3) on March 17th. -Rene Mark Cuarto (18-2): IBF #4 / WBO #9 Cuarto defeated Jayson Francisco (5-2) 2 months ago. -Vic Saludar (20-4): WBO #2 / WBA #10 The former WBO World champion knocked out Mike Kinaadman (7-13) on December 21st. -Robert Paradero (18-0): WBO #3 / IBF #7 / WBA #15 Paradero hasn’t fought since April of 2019. -Melvin Jerusalem (15-2): WBC #1 / IBF #5 / WBO #6 Jerusalem defeated Reymark Taday (10-11) last summer. -Samuel Salva (18-1): IBF #8 Salva suffered an injury in his match with Pedro Taduran (14-2), costing him the opportunity to become the IBF champion. He bounced back with a win over Donny Mabao (23-43) on January 19th ![]() By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Heavyweight: -Alexander Povetkin (35-2): WBA #7 / WBC #9 / IBF #10 The former Olympic & World champion might be facing Dillian Whyte (27-1) on April 18th. -Evgeny Romanov (14-0): WBO #8 Romanov kept his undefeated record intact throughout 2019 and also became the inaugural WBO Global Heavyweight champion. -Sergey Kuzmin (15-1): WBA #12 Kuzmin’s fight with Zhang Zhilei (21-0) was cancelled due to the Russian suffering an injury during training. He will step into a US ring again later this month. (Date & opponent TBA) Cruiserweight: -Aleksei Egorov (10-0): WBA Gold champion Egorov bested Roman Golovashchenko (20-5) within 3 rounds to be declared the new WBA Gold champion. He defended his belt on December 7th against Serhiy Radchenko (7-5). Egorov now stands next in line for Arsen Goulamirian’s Super title. -Evgeny Tishchenko (6-0): WBO #7 / IBF #13 The 2016 Olympic champion won the vacant WBO Intercontinental title after knocking out Abraham Tabul (16-3) in the opening round and defended it against Issa Akberbayev (20-1). Tishchenko will put his belt on the line again on March 7th. (Opponent TBA) -Ruslan Fayfer (25-1): IBF #1 / WBC #5 / WBO #6 / WBA #11 Fayfer defeated Yury Kashinsky (18-1) to become the #1 contender for the IBF championship. He will now clash with former world title challenger Dmitry Kudryashov (24-3), on May 8th, in a WBC eliminator. -Aleksei Papin (11-1): WBC #9 The former kickboxing star & 2 time IBF International champion wants a revenge match with Ilunga Makabu (27-2). -Dmitry Kudryashov (24-3): WBC #11 / IBF #15 The former WBC Silver & WBA International champion won a controversial decision over Vaclav Pejsar (14-9) on December 21st. As mentioned above, he meets Ruslan Fayfer next in Russia. Light Heavyweight: -Artur Beterbiev (15-0): IBF & WBC World champion The unified WBC & IBF champion defends his belts against mandatory challenger Fanlong Meng (16-0), on March 28th, in Canada. It’s also worth mentioning that, according to a representative of the Russian Boxing federation, a major event will take place at the Gazprom Arena (67K capacity), this coming August, which will be headlined by Beterbiev. -Dmitry Bivol (17-0): WBA (Super) World champion Bivol’s 7th defense is rumored to be against either the undefeated former WBO Super Middleweight champion Gilberto Ramirez (40-0) or Badou Jack (22-3) in April. -Maksim Vlasov (45-3): WBO #3 / IBF #10 Vlasov defended his WBO Global title twice last year, over Isaac Chilemba (26-7) as well as Emmanuel Martey (15-1). It’s very likely that he and Umar Salamov square off for the vacant WBO World championship in the near future. -Igor Mikhalkin (23-2): WBC #8 / IBF #11 / WBO #14 / WBA #14 Mikhalkin will have the opportunity to become a 2 time European champion, when he meets Callum Johnson (18-1) in Manchester, for the vacant EBU title, on March 7th. -Umar Salamov (25-1): WBO #2 / IBF #4 / WBA #9 Salamov successfully retained the WBO International title for the 3rd time after knocking out Emmanuel Danso (31-5) in September. As aforementioned, a fight with Vlasov for the WBO World title could take place soon. -Sergey Kovalev (34-4): WBO #6 / WBC #6 The former WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF World champion aims to continue his career in 2020. Super Middleweight: -Fedor Chudinov (22-2): WBA Gold champion Fedor fought 4 times in 2019. He most recently bested Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam (37-5) in Vladikavkaz, to capture the WBA Gold championship. Chudinov will return to the ring this coming March. -Aidos Yerbossynuly (13-0): WBA #2 / WBO #7 The unified WBA International, WBO Global & WBC Asia Continental champion defended his belts this past December, against Omar Garcia (15-3), whom he knocked out in the 8th round. According to his manager, Aidos has already started training for his next bout. The details will be revealed soon. -Azizbek Abdugofurov (13-0): WBC #2 Azizbek will put his WBC Silver title on the line against the WBO International champion Lerrone Richards (13-0) on April 18th. -Aslambek Idigov (17-0): WBO #6 The WBO & IBF European champion will face former MMA fighter Ryan Ford (17-5) on February 21st. -Bektemir Melikuziev (4-0): WBA #15 The 2016 Olympic Silver medalist made his pro debut in 2019, winning 4 fights in a row and also capturing the WBA Continental Americas title. His next opponent will be former world title challenger Marco Antonio Periban (25-5). The match takes place next week. -Vladimir Shishkin (10-0): WBC #15 Shishkin remained undefeated on January 17th while also ruining Ulises Sierra’s (15-1) perfect record in the process. -Ali Akhmedov (16-0): WBC #14 Akhmedov defended his WBC International Silver title against Andrew Hernandez (20-8) 3 months ago. -Evgeny Shvedenko (13-0): IBF #9 Shvedenko earned 2 unanimous decision victories over Nadjib Mohammedi (42-8) and Nuhu Lawal (27-6) last year. Middleweight: -Gennady Golovkin (40-1): IBF World champion Triple G will mark his inaugural IBF title defense against the unbeaten Kamil Szeremeta (21-0) on March 28th. -Kanat Islam (27-0): WBO #4 The 2008 Olympic Bronze medalist made his triumphant return after a 2 year hiatus and demolished Julio De Jesus (27-2) in 14 seconds to become the new WBO International champion. He then defeated former world title challenger Walter Kautondokwa (18-2) last October. -Magomed Madiev (14-0): WBA #2 Madiev won a hard fought battle with Evgeny Terentiev (15-2) to defend his Eurasian title. -Janibek Alimkhanuly (8-0): WBO #5 / WBC #10 / IBF #12 The 2013 AIBA World champion knocked out Albert Onolunose (24-3) in November to successfully defend his WBO Global & WBC Continental Americas titles. His next fight will be this coming March. The exact date and opponent will be announced soon. -Meiirim Nursultanov (13-0): IBF #8 Nursultanov took a unanimous decision over Christian Olivas (18-6) to win the WBC US title this past November. Super Welterweight: -Bakhram Murtazaliev (17-0): IBF #1 / WBO #3 / WBC #11 Murtazaliev has scored victories over Elvin Ayala (29-13), Bruno Leonardo Romay (21-8) and Jorge Fortea (20-2) in 2019. -Israil Madrimov (4-0): WBA #3 The WBA Intercontinental champion will fight 15 year veteran Charlie Navarro (29-9) on February 29th. -Magomed Kurbanov (18-0): WBA #4 / WBO #7 / WBC #7 Kurbanov defeated former interim WBA World titlist Diego Gabriel Chaves (27-6) to become a 2 time WBO International champion. His first defense will be on March 7th. (Opponent TBA) -Artem Oganesyan (11-0): WBO #14 The Russian rising star will face Fouad El Massoudi (17-12) on February 21st. Welterweight: -Alexander Besputin (14-0): WBA (Regular) World champion Besputin tested positive for a banned substance and could be stripped of his title. -Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (17-0): IBF #1 / WBC #5 / WBO #9 Kudratillo might face Lipinets for the interim IBF championship on February 22nd. -David Avanesyan (26-3): WBC #4 / IBF #6 / WBA #6 / WBO #10 Avanesyan will put his European title on the line, against the former WBA International champion Josh Kelly (10-0), on March 24th. -Sergey Lipinets (16-1): WBO #3 / IBF #3 / WBC #7 The former IBF Super Lightweight World champion could be locking horns with the undefeated Kudratillo Abdukakhorov really soon. -Nursultan Zhangabayev (8-0): WBA #7 / IBF #7 / WBO #15 Zhangabayev was supposed to defend his WBA Intercontinental title against Ernesto Espana (30-2) on December 21st but the match was cancelled due to injury. He will make his return next month. It’s not known yet if Espana will be his opponent. Super Lightweight: -Shakhram Giyasov (9-0): WBA #7 / IBF #15 The 2016 Olympic Silver medalist knocked out the former interim WBA World champion Darleys Perez (34-5), in less than a minute, to defend his WBA International title. -Shohjahon Ergashev (18-0): WBA #6 / IBF #6 / WBO #13 The undefeated Ergashev stopped Adrian Estrella (29-5) in the opening round of their contest, with a nasty body shot, a few weeks ago. -Zhankosh Turarov (24-0) WBO #9 Turarov made short work of Mauro Maximiliano Godoy (32-5) last summer, thus becoming the new WBO Intercontinental champion. -Eduard Troyanovsky (28-2): WBC #7 / IBF #13 The former IBF World champion defeated Josef Zahradnik (11-4) in his comeback match. -Batyrzhan Jukembayev (18-0): IBF #8 / WBC #12 / WBA #15 Jukembayev scored a major victory, this past September, defeating longtime World Lightweight title holder Miguel Vazquez (42-9) to become the WBA Continental & IBF Intercontinental champion. He then knocked out Ricardo Lara (22-8) on January 25th. -Batyr Akhmedov (7-1): WBA #5 Akhmedov and Mario Barrios (25-0) are very likely to meet again for the WBA (Regular) title in 2020. Lightweight: -Roman Andreev (23-0): WBO #3 / IBF #12 The former WBO European & Intercontinental champion has signed with Top Rank and will be making his US debut in the coming months. -Pavel Malikov (16-1): IBF #8 / WBO #14 Malikov earned a majority decision against former world title challenger Isa Chaniev (13-3). -Zapir Rasulov (34-1): WBA #15 The Russian knockout artist will face Augusto Pinilla (16-14) on April 21st. Viktor Kotochigov (11-0): WBC #13 Kotochigov defended his WBC International title against Javier Jose Clavero (27-6) this past December. -Zaur Abdullaev (11-1): WBC #6 Zaur suffered an injury during his interim WBC title fight with Devin Haney (24-0) and couldn’t capture the gold. Super Featherweight: -Shavkat Rakhimov (15-0): IBF #1 / WBC #4 Rakhimov knocked out Azinga Fuzile (14-1) to become the number 1 contender for the IBF World championship. -Akzhol Sulaimanbek Uulu (15-0): WBA #6 Sulaimanbek stopped both Pipat Chaiporn (47-13) and Milner Marcano (21-9) in 2019 to defend his WBA Asia title. He now challenges Mark Urvanov for the WBO International title, on March 7th. -Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov (15-0): WBC #7 / WBO #8 / IBF #15 The undefeated WBC International champion marked his inaugural title defense against former interim WBA World titlist Emanuel Lopez (30-12) and his second one against Abraham Montoya (18-2). He will compete again on March 7th. (Opponent TBA) -Mark Urvanov (17-2): WBO #10 Urvanov earned the biggest win of his career last year, when he knocked out former world title challenger Evgeny Chuprakov (21-2) to capture the WBO International championship. As said above, he will mark his inaugural defense against Akzhol Sulaimanbek Uulu. Featherweight: -Tugstsogt Nyambayar (11-0): WBC #1 The 2012 Olympic Silver medalist will challenge Gary Russell Jr. (30-1) for the WBC World championship on February 8th. Super Bantamweight: -Murodjon Akhmadaliev (8-0): WBA & IBF World champion. The 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist edged Daniel Roman (27-3) to become a World champion at the age of 25. His next opponent could be the interim IBF title holder Ryosuke Iwasa (27-3). Bantamweight: -Nikolai Potapov (21-2): WBO #10 / IBF #10 Potapov got the DQ victory over Nasibu Ramadhani (29-15) in October. Super Flyweight: -Mikhail Aloyan (5-1): WBA Gold champion The 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist made a successful in ring comeback on December 10th, besting Ronal Batista (12-2) to capture the WBA Gold championship. Flyweight: -Olimjon Nazarov (21-5): WBO #9 Nazarov has been on an impressive 8 fight winning streak since 2018. His latest victory was over Chaiwat Buadkratok (32-3) in Vietnam. Nazarov will square off with Orlie Silvestre (15-5) on February 29th for the vacant WBO Oriental title. |
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