World Boxing Cup Sets off in Astana as Nations Battle for Glory
The World Boxing Cup: Kazakhstan – Astana 2025 launched on 30 June, drawing over 400 elite fighters from 31 nations to the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Art Palace, World Boxing reports.
The week-long tournament, which runs until 6 July, follows a structure developed by World Boxing where athletes earn ranking points across multiple stages during the year. It features 20 Olympic-style weight categories — ten for men and ten for women — consistent with previous editions in Poland and Brazil.
The event aims to bring greater clarity and meaning to the boxing calendar and culminates in a final showdown between stage winners and top-ranked competitors, all vying for the prestigious World Boxing Cup trophy. Among the confirmed nations competing are Australia, India, Brazil, France, the United States, England and host country Kazakhstan.
Early Knockouts and Quarter Final Drama
The opening day featured 33 bouts, with Kazakhstan picking up four wins on home soil. India and France topped the early leaderboard with five victories each, while Mongolia, Brazil and England also started strong with two wins apiece. The United States’ Malachi Georges delivered a dramatic first-round knockout in his 90kg bout against Italy’s Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine — a clear highlight of the day.
On day two, 44 more matches were held, including the first four quarter finals in the women’s 75kg category. Victories in these bouts guaranteed at least bronze medals for Aziza Zokirova (Uzbekistan), Sunniva Hofstad (Norway), Nadezhaa Ryabets (Kazakhstan) and Busra Isildar (Turkey).
Italy’s Diego Lenzi added to the excitement with a second-round knockout win in the men’s 90kg+ division, defeating Brazil’s Joel Ramos De Silva. Brazil, despite the loss, ended the day with five victories, including a strong performance from seasoned champion Luiz Oliveira in the men’s 60kg.
With many weight divisions reaching the quarter final stage, day three promises another action-packed schedule in Astana, featuring two sessions and 44 bouts as the competition heats up.
Kursiv also reports that Uzbekistan’s junior freestyle wrestling team placed third overall in the team standings at the Asian U17 Wrestling Championship.
