Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan lead medal surge at world boxing cup
Kazakhstan claims multiple golds while Uzbekistan's Hamidova stuns Olympic champion in one of tournament's biggest upsets
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan emerged as the undisputed powerhouse at the 2025 World Boxing Cup, securing an impressive haul of gold and silver medals across both men’s and women’s divisions. The event, held in Astana under the banner of World Boxing, showcased Central Asia’s rising dominance in global boxing.
Kazakhstan’s top fighters delivered standout performances, with world champions Sanjar Tashkenbay, Aybek Orolbay, and Sabyrzhan Akkalykov each clinching gold in their respective weight classes.
The tournament also produced one of the biggest upsets in recent memory when Uzbekistan’s Navbakhor Hamidova defeated Turkey’s Olympic and three-time world champion Busenaz Sürmeneli in the women’s 65 kg final.
Tashkenbay’s win in the 51 kg category was marked by tactical brilliance, shutting out the Philippines’ Jay Bryan Baricuatro in a 5:0 decision.
In the 92 kg division, Aybek Orolbay overcame strong opposition from Azerbaijan and Germany to claim gold, fighting with renewed intensity after his twin brother’s earlier defeat.
Youth world champion Sabyrzhan Akkalykov triumphed in the 75 kg division, dismantling Bulgaria’s Rami Kiwan with the same composure and technical sharpness he had shown earlier this year at the Strandja Cup.
The women’s division brought new stars to light. Victoria Grafeyeva delivered a third-round knockout over Brazil’s Rebeca de Lima Santos in the 60 kg final, while Natalya Bogdanova outboxed Australia’s Lekeysha Pergoliti for another gold.
Kazakhstan’s medal run also included silver finishes for top boxers like Alua Balkibekova, Yeldana Talipova, and Nadezhda Ryabets, all of whom made it to the final in their categories after strong showings.
Uzbekistan’s Navbakhor Hamidova, however, stole the spotlight. Her unanimous decision win over Sürmeneli not only shocked the boxing world but also marked a major breakthrough for Uzbek women’s boxing. In addition to her gold, Uzbekistan bagged four bronze medals through Feruza Kazakova, Aziza Zokirova, Sokhiba Ruzmetova, and Oltinoy Sotimboyeva.
Mongolia’s Lundaa Gantumur also turned heads with a powerful knockout of Japan’s Sunsuke Kitamoto in the men’s 60 kg semi-final, adding further excitement to an already electrifying tournament.
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