The global celebrations for International Boxing Day reached a crescendo in Astana on 28 August, where the IBA and NOMAD staged a blockbuster international fight card featuring premier talent from across the globe.
The event brought together traditional boxing and contests in MMA gloves on a single card, featuring athletes from Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Moldova, Mexico, Venezuela, Namibia, and the Philippines. The programme combined established professionals, rising national-team stars, and local favourites, topped by two title fights.
“Astana brought together athletes from eight nations sharing one ring and one stage, on a night tied to International Boxing Day. This is boxing at its best — diverse, competitive, and full of opportunity for those who work for it,” said IBA Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE.
In the main event, two-time amateur world champion Sanzhar Tashkenbay (KAZ) made a successful transition to the professional ranks, defeating Neel Jacoms (PHI) over 10 rounds to claim the IBF Asia light-flyweight title.
Almaz Nurgali (KAZ) also captured the IBA NOMAD bantamweight title after defeating Aidos Zhapparbergenov (KAZ) in their eagerly anticipated rematch.
Chebotar outboxes Borrego in tactical contest
Vasile Chebotar (MDA) earned a decision victory over Jose Miguel Borrego (MEX), using fluid movement, disciplined defence, and sharp counters to neutralise the Mexican’s relentless pressure.
Chebotar finished strongly, increasing his own aggression in the later rounds before securing the judges’ verdict.
Result: Vasile Chebotar (MDA) def. Jose Miguel Borrego (MEX) by decision.
Madiev drops Agaev on way to convincing win
Ruslan Madiev (KAZ) defeated Imran “Dantist” Agaev (KAZ) in their contest wearing MMA gloves.
Madiev applied sustained pressure throughout and dropped Agaev with a powerful combination late in the second round before controlling the action until the final bell.
Result: Vasile Chebotar (MDA) def. Jose Miguel Borrego (MEX) by decision.
Madiev drops Agaev on way to convincing win
Ruslan Madiev (KAZ) defeated Imran “Dantist” Agaev (KAZ) in their contest wearing MMA gloves.
Madiev applied sustained pressure throughout and dropped Agaev with a powerful combination late in the second round before controlling the action until the final bell.
Result: Ruslan Madiev (KAZ) def. Imran Agaev (KAZ) by unanimous decision.
Kulmagambetov lands spectacular second-round knockout
Kanat Kulmagambetov (KAZ) produced one of the most emphatic finishes of the night against Timur Abdurakhmanov (RUS).
As Abdurakhmanov rushed forward early in the second round, Kulmagambetov caught him at close range with a perfectly timed right hand that ended the contest instantly.
Result: Kanat Kulmagambetov (KAZ) def. Timur Abdurakhmanov (RUS) by KO, Round 2.
Tukov edges difficult contest with Colmenares
Vadim Tukov (RUS) preserved his unbeaten record with a hard-fought decision victory over Eddy Colmenares (VEN).
Colmenares utilised his height and reach effectively for long periods, forcing Tukov to work hard to establish his range, but the judges ultimately awarded the bout to the Russian.
Result: Vadim Tukov (RUS) def. Eddy Colmenares (VEN) by decision.
Bibossinov controls Joseph from start to finish
Saken Bibossinov (KAZ) delivered a composed performance against Immanuel Joseph (NAM), using crisp footwork, precise single punches, and sharp combinations to dominate the majority of the exchanges.
Result: Saken Bibossinov (KAZ) def. Immanuel Joseph (NAM) by decision.
Toktar and Isroilov trade knockdowns before explosive finish
Erkebulan Toktar (KAZ) and Bobirjon Isroilov (UZB) delivered one of the most dramatic clashes of the evening.
Toktar dropped Isroilov almost immediately with a left hook, only for the Uzbek fighter to respond by flooring Toktar with a clean right hand later in the opening round.
Toktar regained control in the second, scoring two further knockdowns before another sustained barrage forced the referee to halt the contest.
Result: Erkebulan Toktar (KAZ) def. Bobirjon Isroilov (UZB) by TKO, Round 2.
Nurgali wins rematch to claim IBA NOMAD title
Almaz Nurgali (KAZ) defeated Aidos Zhapparbergenov (KAZ) after five demanding rounds to become the new IBA NOMAD bantamweight champion.
The rematch proved competitive from the opening bell. Zhapparbergenov seized the early initiative, while Nurgali responded with sharp counters despite sustaining a cut in the first round.
Nurgali raised the tempo in the second round, turning the contest into a gruelling, physical battle in which both men traded heavy blows and finished the bout visibly marked.
After five rounds, Nurgali was awarded the decision to dethrone Zhapparbergenov.
Result: Almaz Nurgali (KAZ) def. Aidos Zhapparbergenov (KAZ) by decision.
Title: IBA NOMAD bantamweight title.
Tashkenbay drops Jacoms twice to win IBF Asia title on professional debut
Sanzhar Tashkenbay (KAZ) marked his professional debut with a commanding 10-round victory over Neel Jacoms (PHI) to claim the IBF Asia light-flyweight title.
The main event quickly unfolded as a classic clash of styles. The taller southpaw Tashkenbay sought to control the range with his jab and movement, while Jacoms repeatedly looked to close the distance and land wide, power-laden hooks.
The Filipino turned up the pressure through the middle rounds, creating several uncomfortable moments for the home favourite. Tashkenbay sustained a cut near his right eyebrow as Jacoms found sustained success working on the inside.
However, momentum shifted decisively late in the fifth round when Tashkenbay timed his opponent’s charge and landed a crisp right hook, sending Jacoms to the canvas.
From that point on, the Kazakh dictated the range. He used lateral movement and sharp pivots to neutralise Jacoms’ advances, consistently punishing the Filipino whenever he stepped in without preparation.
Tashkenbay struck again towards the end of the eighth round, dropping Jacoms for a second time with another precise counter.
Jacoms displayed remarkable resilience and continued to press forward through an entertaining final round, but Tashkenbay remained firmly in command to seal a wide points victory and capture the first professional title of his career.
Result: Sanzhar Tashkenbay (KAZ) def. Neel Jacoms (PHI) by decision.
Title: IBF Asia light-flyweight title.
