The IBA Pro 16 tournament will bring heavyweight action to Serpukhov, Russia on April 17th, headlined by Russian contender Artem Suslenkov (16-1 including IBA Pro and the World Series of Boxing) against former cruiserweight Artur Mann (23-5, 14 KOs) of Germany. Suslenkov, from Russia, enters the ring riding a wave of momentum. The 30-year old fought in October, a stoppage victory over Agron Smakici. He followed that up in December by knocking out Stanley Wright. He also holds a pro win over Michael Hunter. 

 

He faces a seasoned challenger in Mann. The 35 year-old German, known for his resilience and high-level experience, famously shared the ring with former world light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev in April 2025. Mann recently bounced back from that defeat with a clinical first-round knockout of Gregory Garcia in February. Having faced elite competition like Mairis Briedis and Kevin Lerena, Mann aims to use his veteran savvy style to upset the rising Russian star.

 

The co-feature wil be an eight-round welterweight domestic clash between Nikita Miroshnichenko (16-2-1, 5 KOs) and Aleksandr Khokhlov (4-1-1, 1 KO). Miroshnichenko brings elite pedigree to the ring, having served as a primary sparring partner for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and training under the world-renowned Reynoso team in Guadalajara.

 

Serpukhov fans will also witness an emotional evening as local favorite Sergey Kalchugin (5-0, 3 KOs) competes in his farewell professional bout. Additionally, the city’s rising star and 2025 Russian Championship finalist Danila Belevitin will look to continue his ascent in the rankings.

 

One more bout will feature middleweight hopeful Yury Osipov (4-0), known for his power punching. He recently gained attention after a clean victory over American Nikita Ababiy and is also looking to climb the international rankings. The night in Serpukhov will have an explosive opening when Russia’s Nikita Kurenkov faces Armenia's David Azizyan.