An evening of professional boxing was held in Dushanbe on May 23, which attracted the attention of sports fans from all over the region.
The main event of the evening was the fight for the WBA Gold lightweight title between undefeated Tajik prospect Bahodur Usmonov and experienced Filipino boxer Albert Pagara. It was a 10-round fight.
In the main match of the evening, Usmonov won a landslide victory over Pagara, winning the WBA Gold lightweight title. The Tajik won by knockout in the third round.
This success was a significant achievement for Tajik boxing and strengthened Usmonov's position in the international arena.
Bahodur led this fight from the very beginning – with powerful attacks, the boxer forced the opponent to retreat to the ropes and hold the line. Pagara only had enough strength until the third round: Usmonov's attacks often reached the enemy, inflicted great damage, and at the very gong of the third round, the Filipino capitulated after a striking attack on the body.
Usmonov becomes the holder of the WBA Gold lightweight title, which entitles him to a place very close to the top of the world rankings. The current WBA World champion in this category is Gervonta Tank Davis.
Other matches took place during the tournament.:
In the 67 kg weight category, two-time champion of Russia Evgeny Kohl made his professional debut in the ring, meeting with Uzbek boxer Fariozbek Khakimov. The fight lasted all six rounds and ended with Kohl's victory by unanimous decision.
In the featherweight division (57.2 kg), Tajik boxer Akmal Ubaidov met with Kazakhstani Yerzhan Zalilov. Ubaidov demonstrated his technique and won on points.
In the heavyweight category (+90.7 kg), Russian boxer Khalidov Murad defeated Mamasoliev Halimjon from Uzbekistan by technical knockout in the second round.
Tajik boxer Davlat Boltaev met Cameroonian Zakary-Serge Mvog Amugu in the heavyweight division (+90.7 kg). Boltaev won in the second round by technical knockout.
In the welterweight division (66.7 kg), Russian Maxim Chernichuk had a rematch with Michael King from Luxembourg. The fight ended in a draw, despite the active actions of both athletes.
