Serbian super middleweight Vladimir Mironchikov (8-0) believes boxing fans are in for a night of high-calibre action at IBA Pro on August 14th in Naberezhnye Chelny, Russia. He will be competing in the headline bout against Djambulat Bizhamov of Russia in a ten-round clash. Bizhamov enters the tournament with a 5-0 professional record (including IBA Pro bouts) as one of the most decorated boxers on the card. Over the past five years, the Russian has claimed gold at the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships alongside silver medals at both the European and World Championships.
Mironchikov's 8-0 record includes a win over former WBO title challenger Walter Kautondakwa. “I believe our fight will be the best on the card. Even by [world class] Russian boxing standards, there haven’t been fights like this in a long time,” Mironchikov said. “I prepared specifically for Djambulat. He is an excellent boxer. It will be a great 10-round professional duel. Come and support us and watch some beautiful boxing.”
“I have been living with this kind of pressure for a long time, so there is no psychological burden. I am used to people always expecting me to win. Naturally, my mindset is always to win,” Bizhamov said.
The show will also feature Russian super middleweight Sergey Sergeev. For the 25 year-old, this will be much more than another professional appearance: the Naberezhnye Chelny native will step into the ring in front of his hometown crowd for the very first time. Sergeev is a gold medallist at the 2024 BRICS Games, and the Russian champion and 2026 Russian Cup winner. He has won both of his professional contests inside the distance. “This is huge motivation and a big responsibility, but also a great joy for me. I will be thrilled to see everyone in the stands and hear my name called,” Sergeev said. “This tournament is a major step forward for boxing in Chelny. People will see that we have a strong boxing culture here with incredible talent. The younger generation looks up to me and wants to take up the sport. They can see that boxing offers a livelihood, helps you earn a living, and gives you an opportunity to develop.”
Sergeev will face Tajikistan’s Nekruz Salimov in a six-round bout for the Mayor’s Cup. Salimov won silver at the 2022 Asian U22 Championships, competed at two IBA world amateur championships and reached the quarter-finals at the 2023 World Championships in Dubai, where he was stopped by two-time Olympic champion Arlen Lopez. The Tajik boxer also holds two victories under the IBA Pro banner.
“You cannot underestimate your opponent,” Sergeev added. “He has competed at two World Championships and reached the quarter-finals. I think fans will see a highly competitive and entertaining fight. I am 100 per cent ready. I spent a month and a half preparing and gave everything in training so I wouldn’t let the people of Chelny down.”
