Georgy Yunovidov (RUS) avenged his previous defeat to Chris Thompson (RSA) with a seventh-round stoppage to claim the IBA.PRO Intercontinental heavyweight title in Vologda, Russia.
The rematch took place on 11 September and counted towards the IBA.PRO rankings. Yunovidov now holds a professional record of 11 wins, including seven by knockout, against two defeats, while Thompson stands at 16-7-1 with nine stoppage victories.
The two heavyweights first met at IBA.PRO 11 in Manila in October 2025, when Thompson earned a unanimous decision victory. This time, Yunovidov turned the tables on the South African, securing the title by technical knockout in the seventh round.
The Russian heavyweight said the result reflected the work undertaken since their first encounter.
“We did a huge amount of work on our mistakes after our previous fight. I think everyone has seen how much I have changed since then. We are going to keep developing this style and continue working in the same direction.
“Hopefully, I will only keep getting better. Keep watching.”
The victory adds Yunovidov to the developing IBA.PRO heavyweight picture, where fellow Russian Murat Gassiev currently holds a world title.
Yunovidov believes Gassiev has the qualities required to go further and become undisputed heavyweight champion.
“I’ve been following Murat Gassiev for a long time, and he has every chance. I don’t think it’s any secret how strong a boxer he is – both literally and figuratively. You definitely don’t want to get caught by his punches.
“I think he has every chance of becoming undisputed, and I hope it happens soon.”
Asked whether he would be interested in facing Gassiev himself in the future, Yunovidov did not rule out an all-Russian heavyweight clash.
“Absolutely, and with nothing but respect. I’d be very happy to have that fight,” he said.
Another potential opponent is Artyom Suslenkov (RUS), whom Yunovidov already knows well from their amateur careers.
“That’s something I would need to discuss with my team. There are a lot of details to consider. We would need to hear all the conditions, discuss them and see what plans both sides have.
“If the fight happens, I’d be more than happy to take it. We’ve already boxed each other about four times, if I remember correctly,” Yunovidov said.
