Unification WBA & IBA Pro title fight Albert Batyrgaziev vs James Dickens to crown boxing show in Istanbul on 2 July
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 13 Jun 2025
Lausanne, Switzerland – Undefeated Russian Olympic gold medalist Albert Batyrgaziev (12-0, 8 KOs) will put his IBA.Pro and WBA Interim super-featherweight titles on the line against Liverpool’s beloved boxing star James “Jazza” Dickens (35-5, 14 KOs) on 2 July 2025 in Istanbul. The 12-round main event headlines the IBA.Pro 7 Champions’ Night, marking Batyrgaziev’s first professional fight outside Russia.
Batyrgaziev, a rising star with an unblemished record, has shown both dominance and resilience. His ninth-round stoppage of Ireland’s Jono Carroll last year underscored his power, while his March bout against Neri Romero revealed vulnerabilities after being floored twice, though he rallied to drop Romero and secure the win despite a point deduction.
Dickens, riding a three-fight winning streak, is coming off a career-enhancing unanimous decision victory over former world title challenger Zelfa Barrett. Having competed at super-featherweight early in his 14-year career before campaigning at super-bantamweight and featherweight, Dickens is no stranger to high-stakes bouts. His résumé boasts notable wins over Martin Ward (British super-bantamweight title), Leigh Wood, Ryan Walsh, and Lerato Dlamini, the latter earning him the IBO featherweight belt. However, facing the 2020 Olympic gold medallist Batyrgaziev may mark his toughest challenge since retiring against Guillermo Rigondeaux in 2016 due to a broken jaw.
The IBA.Pro 7 Champions’ Night card also features an explosive super-lightweight clash between Armenia’s undefeated 2020 Olympic bronze medallist Hovhannes Bachkov (7-0, 6 KOs) and Uzbekistan’s hard-hitting Shohjahon Ergashev (25-2, 22 KOs). Adding to the excitement, the event will showcase bare-knuckle boxing under the IBA Bare Knuckle banner, with Russia’s Mikhail Tarabrin facing an opponent to be announced.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Hitchins vs. Kambosos: Can George Be More Than A Faded Name?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 14 Jun 2025Four Boxers Advance to Gold Medal Matches on Day Three of World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem
Sat, 14 Jun 2025WEIGHTS FROM NEW YORK: HITCHINS - 140 LBS., KAMBOSOS - 139.4 LBS.
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Jun 2025Gaviola to face Narukami in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 14 Jun 2025Pacquiao Steps Up Training
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Jun 2025Balla stops Cabalquinto in 4th round
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 14 Jun 2025Eight-year-old Marius Constante sweeps 5-round chess fest in Cebu
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 14 Jun 2025Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz and Top Lightweight Contender Edwin De Los Santos Part Ways Amicably
Sat, 14 Jun 2025Unification WBA & IBA Pro title fight Albert Batyrgaziev vs James Dickens to crown boxing show in Istanbul on 2 July
Fri, 13 Jun 2025How the Ring's P4P Ranking Has Strayed from the Norms of Nat and Nigel
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 13 Jun 2025FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FROM HITCHINS VS. KAMBOSOS JR
Fri, 13 Jun 2025MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS UNVEILS REMAINING PRELIMINARY CARD BOUTS FOR JAKE PAUL VS. JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR.
Fri, 13 Jun 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier: Leading Philippine Softball’s Unstoppable Rise to International Dominance
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 13 Jun 2025Team USA Sends Seven Boxers to the Medal Rounds Thursday at World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem 2025
Fri, 13 Jun 2025Jerusalem, Taduran 1-2 at Minimumweight; Llover Enters Bantam in Ring's Latest Ratings
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 13 Jun 2025