NEWS

Four wins for Uzbekistan as competition heats-up on day three of World Boxing Cup: China 2026 – Guiyang City

Day three of the ‘World Boxing Cup: China 2026 – Guiyang City’ saw 44 more bouts as Uzbekistan delivered a show of strength with four victories, including a unanimous win for paris 2024 gold medallist and world number one, Abdumalik Khalokov, who made his first appearance in the tournament.

Competing in the men’s lightweight division (M60kg), which features some of the finest boxers in the world, Khalokov was rarely troubled as he swept to a unanimous victory, which included a knockdown in the final round, over Wilson Solorzano of Venezuela.

He will meet Salim Ellis Bey of the USA in his quarter-final after the American scored an excellent 5-0 win over Kazakhstan’s Serik Temirezhanov.

Waiting for them in the other side of the draw is Brazil’s world number two Luiz Gabriel De Oliveira, who defeated Mahammadali Ashiraliyev of Azerbaijan to set-up a quarter-final with Canada’s Keoma Al Ahmadieh.

The other Uzbek men to win on the day included World Boxing Championships light-heavyweight (M80kg) gold medallist, Javokhir Ummataliev, with a split decision win over Sabyrzhan Akkalykov of Kazakhstan and Shavkatjon Boltaev who defeated Korea’s Joonsu Kim at light middleweight (M70kg).

For the women, Sitora Turdibekova secured Uzbekistan’s only female victory as she upset Japan’s world ranked number five, Ayaka Taguchi, in the lightweight (W60kg) division.  

It was one of two upsets for Japan on-the-day, who also saw World Boxing Championships silver medallist and world number three, Sewonrets Okazawa, lose unanimously to Deepak Deepak of India in the men’s light-middleweight (M70kg) division.

Other countries that enjoyed success on day three of the competition included home nation China, Azerbaijan, Brazil, England, India, Mongolia and South Korea who all had three wins each.

All of today’s results and information about the tournament, including daily schedules and details of the draw, are available at: https://chn.xboxing.world/.

Day four will feature two sessions of boxing starting at 12:00 and 18:30 (local time), consisting of 44bouts. All of the action will be livestreamed on World Boxing’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@officialworldboxing

World Boxing will be posting updates throughout the competition on its social media channels:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialworldboxing

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialWorldBoxing/

• X: https://x.com/RealWorldBoxing

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-boxing

World Boxing and Refract Technologies Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Explore the Future of Virtual Boxing

Guiyang, China, 17 June 2026 – World Boxing and Refract Technologies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for collaboration aimed at exploring the future development of Virtual Boxing and immersive sports technologies.

The MoU was signed during the World Boxing Cup in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, marking an important milestone in World Boxing’s efforts to embrace innovation and create new opportunities for the growth and accessibility of the sport.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by World Boxing President Gennadiy Golovkin and Mr. Chong Geng Ng, Executive Director of Refract Technologies. The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Gerald Lee, COO of Refract Technologies, and Tom Dielen, Secretary General of World Boxing.

The collaboration builds-on discussions held between World Boxing and Refract Technologies regarding the development of Virtual Boxing and the application of immersive technologies within boxing.  

The exploration of Virtual Boxing and emerging digital formats has been one of the strategic priorities outlined by Golovkin since his campaign for the presidency of World Boxing. The signing of this MoU represents an important step towards the gradual implementation of that vision and aligns with the wider Olympic Movement’s focus on innovation, digital engagement and ensuring sport remains relevant and accessible to future generations.

Under the MoU World Boxing and Refract Technologies will explore the co-development of a virtual reality boxing title designed to promote and grow the sport globally while assessing its potential as a future competitive discipline within the Olympic E-sports Games ecosystem. The collaboration will also include athlete testing and validation programmes, product development initiatives and joint promotional activities aimed at creating innovative experiences for athletes, fans and new audiences worldwide.

Refract Technologies is a leading developer of immersive technology solutions, including AXIS, an advanced full-body motion capture system that enables users to compete and interact in virtual environments with a high degree of realism and precision.

The President of World Boxing, Gennadiy Golovkin, said: “Boxing is one of the world’s greatest sports, but like all sports, it must continue to evolve. Virtual Boxing gives us an opportunity to connect with new audiences, engage younger generations and create new pathways into our sport.

“Through this collaboration with Refract Technologies, we can explore how innovation and technology can help make boxing more accessible, more engaging and more relevant for the future while staying true to the values that define our sport.”

Mr. Chong Geng Ng, Executive Director of Refract Technologies, added: “Refract is honoured to partner with World Boxing on a shared vision of bringing boxing to more people than ever before.

“Virtual Boxing offers something entirely its own; a game that calls for a different kind of thinking, a different strategy, and a different competitor. From kids sparring against their heroes for the first time, to retired champions finding a new arena — Virtual Boxing is for every stage of the boxing journey.

“Boxing belongs to everyone. This partnership with World Boxing is our commitment to making that real.”

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, athlete development and the exploration of new opportunities at the intersection of sport and technology. As the sporting world continues to embrace digital transformation and new forms of engagement, World Boxing and Refract Technologies will work together to explore how Virtual Boxing can contribute to the future growth, accessibility and global appeal of the sport by helping to build a community of boxers regardless of age, location and skill set.

The development of Virtual Boxing also has the potential to bring new people into the sport that can experience the physical and mental health benefits of boxing, whilst also providing an outlet for older, experienced or retired boxers to continue to participate in the sport and benefit from new experiences where they have to train a different mindset and develop new strategies.

Further details regarding joint initiatives and pilot projects will be announced in due course. 

China and Poland shine on day two of action at World Boxing Cup: China 2026 – Guiyang City

The second day of action at the ‘World Boxing Cup: China 2026 – Guiyang City’ delivered some thrilling matchups with 55 bouts taking place across two sessions at the Guiyang Olympic Sports Centre.

Poland enjoyed a successful day with five wins, spearheaded by 2025 heavyweight (W80kg+) World Boxing Champion Agata Kaczmarska, who is now competing at middleweight (W75kg). 

The Pole showed that she is equally capable at the new weight as she secured a unanimous victory over 2025 World Boxing Championship bronze medallist, Emma-Sue Greentree of Australia to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final with former world champion, Tammara Thibeault  of Canada, who is making a return to Olympic boxing, after spending the last two years focusing on her career as a professional boxer.

Other big name clashes on the day, saw Uzbekistan’s world number one Turabek Khabibullaev edge a 3:2 split decision against Kazakhstan’s Paris silver medallist Nurbek Oralbay who was competing at heavyweight (M90kg) having more recently enjoyed success at cruiserweight (M85kg) where he is ranked number three in the world.

Another highly seeded boxer that did not have it all her own way was the USA’s World Boxing Championships silver medallist and number four seed, Yoseline Perez, who lost unanimously to Natnicha Chongprongklang of Thailand at bantamweight (W54kg).

Chongprongklang will face Lauren Mackie in her quarter-final, after the English women disposed of Hong Kong’s Gun Ying Lai in under three minutes with a first-round stoppage.

Hosts China enjoyed another good day as its men and women racked-up six more wins, the most of any nation. Kazakhstan earned four victories followed by Brazil, France, India, Mexico, USA and Uzbekistan who all picked up three wins.

All of the information about the tournament, including results and details of the draw, are available at: https://chn.xboxing.world/

Wednesday’s boxing will feature two sessions starting at 12:00 and 18:30 (local time), consisting of 44 bouts in total. All of the action will be livestreamed on World Boxing’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@officialworldboxing

World Boxing will be posting updates throughout the competition on its social media channels:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialworldboxing

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialWorldBoxing/

• X: https://x.com/RealWorldBoxing

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-boxing

World Boxing President Gennadiy Golovkin Inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame

World Boxing President Gennadiy Golovkin has been inducted into the prestigious International Boxing Hall of Fame, becoming the first athlete from Kazakhstan to receive one of the highest honours in the sport.

Golovkin was officially welcomed into the Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York, on Sunday as part of the Class of 2026 in his first year of eligibility, recognising a remarkable career that saw him establish himself as one of the greatest middleweight boxers of his generation.

An Olympic silver medallist at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, Golovkin compiled a professional record of 42 wins, two defeats and one draw, with 37 victories coming by knockout. He made a record-tying 20 consecutive middleweight world title defences, matching the benchmark set by Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins, and held world titles with the WBA, WBC, IBF and IBO.

For World Boxing, Golovkin’s induction is a powerful reminder of the opportunities created by a strong Olympic pathway.

Tom Dielen, Secretary General of World Boxing, said: “Gennadiy Golovkin’s career is a testament to what the Olympic pathway produces at its best. He came through the amateur ranks, stood on the Olympic podium, and went on to demonstrate to the world what boxing excellence truly looks like. That journey, from a young boxer in Kazakhstan to a Hall of Fame honouree, is exactly the story we want every athlete in our system to believe is possible.”

Golovkin’s dominance at middleweight between 2010 and 2018 set new standards for consistency and excellence. His achievements continue to inspire athletes and national federations around the world and demonstrate the long-term value of investing in boxer development from grassroots participation through to elite performance.

The honour comes less than a year after Golovkin assumed the presidency of World Boxing, where he is helping to lead the sport into a new era and support its return to the Olympic programme at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Addressing the audience following the induction ceremony, Golovkin reflected on the significance of the moment and the responsibility that comes with his current role.

Gennadiy Golovkin, President of World Boxing, said: “The International Boxing Hall of Fame represents the highest recognition our sport can bestow, and I am deeply honoured to join the athletes whose careers have shaped boxing’s history.

“This moment belongs not only to me but to everyone who has been part of my journey, from my first days in the amateur system to the Olympic Games and beyond.

“As President of World Boxing, I carry that experience into the work ahead, ensuring that every boxer today has access to a fair, transparent and ambitious sport that gives them the platform their dedication deserves. Los Angeles 2028 and beyond is our goal and our responsibility, and we will meet it.”

Golovkin’s induction celebrates not only an extraordinary sporting career, but also the enduring connection between Olympic boxing and professional success: a pathway that World Boxing is committed to protecting and strengthening for future generations.

Host nation China start strong with six wins on opening day

Host nation China secured the most victories on day one of boxing at the ‘World Boxing Cup: China 2026 – Guiyang City’ with six of their boxers earning wins to start the tournament.

Xinlin Chen (M60kg), Xuezhen Han (M90kg), Xiaomeng Wang (W80kg), Ziyi Bao (W75kg), Huiyang Tang (M50kg) and Danabieke Bayikewuzi (M90kg+) were successful on home soil as the second World Boxing Cup of the year got underway.

Canada’s Tammara Thibeault (W75kg) delivered a confident unanimous decision victory against India’s Sanamacha Chanu Thokchom on her return to Olympic-style boxing. It was the Canadian’s first appearance since Paris as she looks to qualify for a third Olympics in LA in two years’ time. 

Kazakhstan was the next best performing nation with five wins on Monday. Their squad once again includes the Oralbay brothers, Aibek (M90kg+) and Nurbek (M90kg). Aibek, who won gold at the inaugural World Boxing Championships 2025 in Liverpool, beat USA’s Nnajai Wright via 5:0 decision. Meanwhile, Paris silver medallist, Nurbek, earned a stoppage against Korea’s Gichae Kim.

Poland closed out the day one podium with four wins, including World Champion Agata Kaczmarska (W75kg) against Germany’s Helena Sophie Engels. 25 different nations picked up at least one win on Monday.

You can see all of today’s results, and all future results live as they happen at: https://chn.xboxing.world/

The competition is being livestreamed on World Boxing’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@officialworldboxing

Tuesday’s boxing will feature three more sessions starting at 11:00, 16:00 and 20:00 (local time). TheWorld Boxing Cup: China 2026 is taking place at the Guiyang Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasiumfrom 15-21 June 2026.

World Boxing will be posting updates throughout the competition on its social media channels:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialworldboxing

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialWorldBoxing/

• X: https://x.com/RealWorldBoxing

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-boxing

333 boxers from 44 Nations registered to compete at World Boxing Cup: China 2026 – Guiyang City

More than 330 boxers from 44 National Federations are registered to compete at the ‘World Boxing Cup: China 2026 – Guiyang City’ which will take place at the Guiyang Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium, 15-21 June 2026.

The draw, schedule, full results and all competition information is available at https://chn.xboxing.world/

It is the second World Boxing Cup of the year, following the ‘World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2026 – Foz do Iguaçu’ in February, when the home nation topped the medal table followed by China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Poland.

The registered entries for Guiyang City, feature strong teams from India and Uzbekistan who are sending men and women to compete in all 20 weight categories. Other countries sending large teams include Kenya with 19 representatives and Kazakhstan with 18. 

The line-up features a number of leading boxers and includes two women making a return to Olympic boxing from professional boxing.

At middleweight (W75kg), Canada’s multiple gold medallist and two-time Olympian, Tammara Thibeault, will be making her first appearance in an Olympic boxing competition since Paris 2024 as she aims to combine her professional career with qualifying for LA28.

She is joined by Brazil’s two-time Olympic medallist and one-time IBF lightweight world champion, Beatriz Ferreira, who returns to the Olympic-style format at welterweight (W65kg).

Ferreira is part of 12 strong Brazilian line-up that includes Luiz Oliveira (M60kg), Yuri Falcao (M65kg) and Wanderley Pereira (M80kg), who won medals in the first World Boxing Cup of 2026.

The competition in Guiyang City is the first time China has hosted a World Boxing Cup event and features an impressive home nation line-up of 19 boxers that includes 2024 Olympic gold medallist, Wu Yu (W51kg), along with, Jiamao Zhang (M55kg) and Liu Yang (W70kg), who won gold at the World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2026.

Medals will be contested across 20 weight divisions, 10 each for men and women, with World Boxing ranking points up for grabs. Preliminary rounds will be held across two rings transitioning to one ring for the semi-finals and finals.

The official draw will take place on Sunday 14 June at 18:30 (local time) with action getting underway on Monday 15 June. There will be three sessions in the preliminary rounds.

The competition will be streamed live on the World Boxing YouTube channel HERE.

World Boxing will be posting updates throughout the competition on its social media channels:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialworldboxing

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialWorldBoxing/

• X: https://x.com/RealWorldBoxing

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-boxing

Canada’s Multiple gold medal winner Tammara Thibeault returns to Olympic boxing at ‘World Boxing Cup: China 2026’ in a bid to combine professional career with qualifying for a third Games at LA28

One familiar face that will be competing at the forthcoming ‘World Boxing Cup: China 2026 – Guiyang City’ is Canada’s Tammara Thibeault, who will be making her first appearance in an Olympic boxing competition since Paris 2024.

The highly decorated 29-year-old, is a two-time Olympian who has won gold medals at world championships, Commonwealth Games, Panamerican Boxing Championships and the Panamerican Games, has been pursuing a successful career in professional boxing since Paris, that has seen her rack-up four straight wins, including three stoppages.

However, the lure of representing Team Canada at a third Olympic Games and a sense of “unfinished business” has remained a powerful draw for Tammara who aims to combine professional and Olympic boxing in the next phase of her career as she sets her sights on qualifying for LA28.

We caught-up with Tammarra in China ahead of her return to Olympic boxing.

Why have you decided to combine your professional career with continuing to compete in Olympic-style boxing?

“Becoming an Olympian has been a dream since I was very young, and I feel like an Olympic boxer at heart. When women’s boxing was introduced to the Games, I felt that was exactly where I was meant to be. 

“After Paris, I wasn’t ready to walk away; I felt there was some unfinished business, and I wanted to continue to box and take on another challenge. Having already been part of two Olympic cycles, I’ve been very successful, and I am grateful for that. I now want to see what I can achieve by balancing both professional and Olympic-style boxing to see how much more I can grow. 

“Many athletes in sports like tennis, water polo, and volleyball successfully do both, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do the same while continuing to pursue my passion and build a career.”

How do you feel about making your return to the Olympic-style format?

“I am incredibly excited to return to the Olympic-style format, as it has always held a special place in my heart. After Paris, I knew I wanted to try again and continue doing what I love. It is a tremendous honour to represent my country, and having the opportunity to potentially compete in a third Olympic cycle is something I am very much looking forward to. 

“I feel that I have grown significantly as both a person and an athlete over the last two years, and I am eager to put that progression to the test.”

What do you think will be the biggest challenge in returning to Olympic-style boxing?

“The primary challenge lies in the difference between professional bouts and the three-round Olympic format. While boxing is boxing, the preparation required for each is distinct, similar to the difference between a 60-metre dash and a 1500-metre run in track and field. Although both events involve running, the mindset, pacing, and preparation differ significantly. By approaching it with that mindset, I am confident in my ability to adapt my cues, style, and pace to ensure I am successful in either format.”

What has it been like to be back in a team setting after spending time training in a more solo environment?

“Being back in a team setting has made me appreciate the camaraderie even more. While training alone and building my own team was a valuable experience that I thoroughly enjoyed, there is something unique about the solidarity found in a team environment. 

“I have had an incredible experience with Boxing Canada over the last few years, and I am proud to be part of the team again. Having that level of support makes me feel deeply grateful to continue doing what I love while representing a country I care about so much.

World Boxing opens bidding process for three-year competition calendar covering 19 events from 2027 – 2029

World Boxing has opened the bidding process for National Federations to host competitions over the next three years from 2027 – 2029.

Details of the bidding guidelines for every event are available HERE and cover 19 competitions including four Continental Olympic qualifiers, two World Olympic qualifiers, 11 World Boxing Cups and both an Elite and an U19 World Boxing Championships.

The guidelines set-out details of the bidding process each event, including timelines and selection, along with details of the requirements of each host city bid, which includes a wide variety of elements covering event management, accommodation, travel and logistics and the role and scope of the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

All World Boxing National Federations are welcome to bid to host relevant competitions. Indicative dates are provided for each competition and the full list of events by year is:

Competitions in 2027:

Olympic Qualification Series – Continental Qualifiers*

• African Boxing Qualifier: June- December 2027

• Asian Boxing Qualifier: June- December 2027

• Oceania Boxing Qualifier: June- December 2027

• Panamerican Boxing Qualifier: June- December 2027

* The European Boxing Continental Qualifier will be part of the European Games 2027, Istanbul, 16-27 June 2027.

World Boxing Cups

• World Boxing Cup 1: February 2027

• World Boxing Cup 2: May 2027

• World Boxing Cup Finals: December 2027 

Competitions in 2028:

Olympic Qualification Series – World Qualifiers

• World Olympic Qualifier 1: March 2028

• World Olympic Qualifier 2: May 2028

World Boxing Cups

• World Boxing Cup 1: February 2028

• World Boxing Cup 2: June 2028

• World Boxing Cup 3: September 2028

• World Boxing Cup Finals: December 2028

U19 World Boxing Championships

• World Boxing U19 Championships: August – November 2028

Competitions in 2029:

Elite World Boxing Championships

• Elite World Boxing Championships, September – November 2029

World Boxing Cups

• World Boxing Cup 1: February 2029 

• World Boxing Cup 2: June 2029

• World Boxing Cup 3: September 2029

• World Boxing Cup Finals: December 2029

The bidding process can be found HERE.

Any National Federations that would like to know more about the biddig process or have questions about it are able to contact the bid team direct at: bids@worldboxing.org.