Colombo, Sri Lanka – May 19, 2025
The ASBC Asian U22 & Youth Boxing Championships continued with thrilling action on Day 7, highlighted by Kazakhstan’s Azatbek Zholdaskhan delivering a stunning early knockout in the heavyweight (92kg) category.

Zholdaskhan, still new to the international boxing scene, wasted no time in his semi-final match against IBA-Pakistan’s Abdullah Mujahid. The young Kazakh powerhouse ended the contest in under a minute, securing a dramatic victory and a place in the finals, where he will face Afghanistan’s Mujtaba Sharifi for the gold.

In the day’s opening bout, New Zealand’s Roman Viney and Kyrgyzstan’s Azim Choybekov clashed in a closely matched contest. With similar levels of international experience, both fighters put on a tough, evenly fought battle that set the tone for the day.

Kyrgyzstan’s hopes in the super heavyweight (+92kg) division were boosted by 19-year-old Myrzakir Koshaliyev, who impressed with a strong performance against Uzbekistan’s Aman Makhanov. Koshaliyev’s physical dominance and well-timed punches earned him the win and a spot in the final against Kazakhstan’s Yersultan Sapar, who defeated Vietnam’s Doan Ngoc Minh Hieu via stoppage.

In women’s flyweight (52kg), Vietnam’s Song Thi Kim Ngan proved too strong for Tajikistan’s Fariza Yokubova, who struggled defensively despite her agility. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Leen Tariq Al-Alshaikh faced a tough challenge against Kazakhstan’s Youth World Champion Elina Bazarova, who confidently advanced to the final round.

Tajikistan’s Khangoma Isoyeva demonstrated her experience in the women’s lightweight (60kg) class, dominating Nepal’s Narika Rai. In the higher weight divisions, IBA-India’s Himanshi (70kg), Kazakhstan’s Bakyt Seidish (70kg), and two-time ASBC Youth Champion Shugyla Nalibay (75kg) all delivered standout performances to close the day on a high note.