On March 12th, the IBA returns to Saint Petersburg with an international fight card headlined by a junior middleweight clash between Pavel Sosulin and Liberian-born Victor Nagbe. Sosulin (16-0, 8 KOs including World Series of Boxing and IBA pro bouts) steps into the ring at a pivotal stage of his career. Nicknamed “Mex” for his relentless, pressure-heavy style inspired by Mexican boxing traditions, the Angarsk-born fighter has rapidly established himself as a serious threat in the 154-pound division. After a second-round stoppage of Jorge Fortea, Sosulin now sets his sights on the global stage. The opponent has changed, but the mission remains the same. Sosulin now faces Nagbe, who accepted this high-stakes challenge on just two weeks’ notice. Nagbe brings a legitimate arsenal capable of upsetting the home favorite. A decorated kickboxer, Nagbe also boasts a solid professional boxing record of 12-2 with 6 KOs. Short notice notwithstanding, he arrives with finishing power, elite combat experience, and the kind of unpredictability that can turn a main event on its head.

 

The co-feature is shaping up to be a tactical light heavyweight battle between Vladimir Mironchikov (7-0, 6 KOs) and Ulugbek Sobirov (17-5, 10 KOs). Mironchikov — a world championship bronze medalist and Mediterranean Games champion representing Serbia, has built a reputation for clinical power and composure. His recent three-round stoppage of David Ferko in Turin confirmed his readiness for championship gold. He faces Sobirov, a product of the renowned Uzbek boxing school who brings immense resilience. Having previously gone the distance with amateur world champion Dzhambulat Bizhamov, Sobirov represents the sternest test of Mironchikov’s professional career to date.

 

The undercard adds further depth to this event. Junior welterweight Ilya Popov (3-0), a reigning amateur world champion, faces Kazakhstan’s Nurtas Azhbenov (14-1) in a significant step up in competition... Local favorite Eduard Savvin is also back in action, taking on Namibian knockout specialist Aime “Avatar” Malungilua.

 

The Saint Petersburg card is rounded out by a series of compelling cross-border contests featuring hungry prospects and seasoned challengers:

 

Sergey Koldenkov vs. Abel Lima;

 

Nikita Kuzmin vs. Vakhtang Harutunian;

 

Tamerlan Ozdoev vs. Dastan Saaduly; and

 

Sergey Murachev vs. Khalimzhon Mamosoliev.