The 2025 World Boxing Championships are in full swing at the iconic Liverpool Arena in England, and the action is already reaching a fever pitch. With the tournament running from September 4 to 14, boxers from across the globe are stepping into the ring, each hoping to carve their names into the sport’s storied history. As of September 7, the championship has delivered a series of electrifying bouts, dramatic upsets, and inspiring comebacks, with boxers from Kazakhstan, India, and Uzbekistan making headlines for their performances.
Kazakhstan's contingent wasted no time in announcing their intentions, as three of their fighters—Torekhan Sabyrkhan, Viktoriya Grafeyeva, and Biibars Zhexen—secured opening-round victories. Torekhan Sabyrkhan, born in 2006 in the village of Mayatas, Turkistan region, is already considered one of Kazakhstan’s most decorated young fighters. In his opening bout, Sabyrkhan edged out Algeria’s Youssef Yaiche in a nail-biting contest, with the judges awarding him a split decision (3:2) after three tense rounds. Sabyrkhan’s journey is far from over, as he is set to face Robert Bos from the Netherlands on September 8—a fighter who himself dispatched India’s Hitesh Gulia in his previous match.
Sabyrkhan’s ascent is no fluke. The young prodigy became the first Kazakh boxer to claim four gold medals at the Asian Youth Boxing Championships, and his trophy cabinet also boasts the 2024 IBA Youth World Boxing Championships title, where he overcame Cuba’s David Espinosa in the final. His 2025 victory at Bulgaria’s Strandzha Cup in the men’s 67 kg category, where he was recognized as the tournament’s best boxer, only cements his reputation. Yet, even the brightest stars have their setbacks—his only official defeat came at the Abbas Agalarov Memorial Tournament in Baku. Will Sabyrkhan’s momentum carry him deeper into the Liverpool tournament?
Meanwhile, Viktoriya Grafeyeva added to Kazakhstan’s cause with a split-decision victory over Kosovo’s Donjeta Sadiku in the women’s 60kg 1/16 finals. Grafeyeva’s tactical acumen saw her take the first and third rounds, sealing the win and setting up a high-stakes clash with England’s Lucy Kings Wheatley on September 9. The home crowd will undoubtedly rally behind Wheatley, but Grafeyeva’s performance so far suggests she’s up for the challenge.
Not to be outdone, Biibars Zhexen made his mark in the men’s 60kg category, cruising past Junmilardo Ogaire of the Philippines with a unanimous judges’ decision. Zhexen’s victory ensures Kazakhstan remains a force in the lightweight division, and with Kazakhstani boxers competing in all 20 weight divisions at this inaugural Liverpool event, the Central Asian nation is making a statement about its boxing pedigree.
India’s boxers, on the other hand, have experienced both the highs of victory and the sting of early exits. The spotlight shone brightest on Nikhat Zareen, a two-time World champion, who made a resounding return to international competition after months sidelined by injury. Zareen dominated USA’s Jennifer Lozano in the 51kg division, earning a comprehensive 5-0 unanimous decision. Her superior footwork and crisp combinations kept Lozano on the back foot throughout, with Zareen showing no signs of rust. The win sets up a tantalizing pre-quarterfinal bout with Turkey’s Busenaz Cakiroglu, a matchup that promises fireworks.
But for every triumph, there’s a tale of heartbreak. Lovlina Borgohain, India’s Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist, was dealt a stunning blow in her return, losing by unanimous decision (0-5) to Turkey’s Busra Isildar in the 70kg division. Borgohain, who had received a bye in the first round, struggled to find her rhythm against Isildar’s aggressive, close-quarters style. The Turkish boxer’s ability to land cleaner punches and control the tempo left Borgohain unable to mount a comeback, dashing her hopes for another medal run.
The men’s 70kg division saw Hitesh Gulia face Dutchman Robert Bos in a tightly contested bout. Despite a valiant effort, Hitesh was edged out 1-4, with Bos landing a decisive right hand in the final round that swung the judges’ verdict his way. It was a tough pill to swallow for the Indian, especially as the scoreline didn’t quite reflect the closeness of the contest.
India did have more to celebrate on September 5, when Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) dispatched Ukraine’s Daria-Olha Hutarina with a dominant 5-0 decision, and Narender Berwal (90+kg) outpointed Ireland’s Martin McDonagh 4-1. These victories keep India’s campaign alive, as several boxers remain in contention for medals and are eager to make their mark on the world stage. For many, this tournament is more than just another championship—it’s a crucial platform for returning to international competition and proving themselves after long layoffs.
Uzbekistan, too, is making waves in Liverpool. Mirazizbek Mirzahalilov, competing in the -55 kg weight category, delivered a clinical performance against India’s Pawan Bartwal. The judges had no doubts, awarding Mirzahalilov a unanimous 5-0 victory after three rounds. His win not only propels him to the next round but also serves as a motivating force for his compatriots. Another Uzbek hopeful, Javokhir Ummataliyev, is set to face Poland’s Nikodim Kozak in the coming days, as the Uzbek team looks to build on Mirzahalilov’s momentum.
The World Boxing Championships in Liverpool mark the first time the city has hosted the event under the auspices of World Boxing. The competition’s format is as rigorous as ever, with preliminaries and quarterfinals running until September 10, before the semifinals and finals take center stage from September 12 to 14. With Kazakhstani boxers entering all 20 weight divisions, and strong showings from India and Uzbekistan, the tournament is shaping up as a showcase for both established champions and rising stars.
As the action continues, fans can expect more upsets, dramatic finishes, and breakout performances. Will Kazakhstan’s young prodigies keep their winning streak alive? Can Nikhat Zareen’s comeback story reach new heights? And will Uzbekistan’s Mirzahalilov inspire a new golden generation? With the world watching and the stakes higher than ever, the Liverpool Arena is the stage for boxing’s next great chapter. Stay tuned—there’s plenty more to come before the final bell rings.
