Vitor vs Subkhankulov, Tapales vs Kalsynov in Double IBF Asia Title Fights in Moscow on Feb. 13
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 27 Jan 2026
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has officially greenlit a massive double-header for its Asia division as two major regional titles will be contested on the same night in Moscow on Friday, February 13.
The formal approval was confirmed in a letter from Carlos Ortiz Jr., the IBF Vice Championships Chairman, addressed to veteran promoter Peter Maniatis.
In the main card Filipino knockout artist Virgel "Valiente" Vitor will face undefeated prospect Artur Subkhankulov of Russia for the IBF Asia Lightweight Title.
Hailing from Bohol, Vitor is a seasoned power-puncher with a reputation for ending fights early. With 24 wins, 4 losses and 17 knockouts to his name, "Valiente" is making his third international appearance, seeking to bring IBF gold back to the Philippines.
Subkhankulov (10-0-0, 4KOs) from Ufa, one of Russia's most populous cities 1,000 kilometers east of Moscow, won by decision against his last five opponents after winning by stoppage four of his first five pro fights.
In another regional title fight, Filipino rising star Gabriel Tapales and local favorite Aznaur Kalsynov will vie for IBF Asia Featherweight Title.
This marks the first international test for Tapales (9-1, 6 KOs), the younger brother of former unified world champion Marlon "The Nightmare" Tapales. Gabriel, a 22-year-old southpaw from Sanman Boxing, is coming off a sensational 2025 campaign punctuated by a viral knockout of Ian Donaire. He faces the technical Kalsynov (6-1-3, 0KOs), an orthodox Russian fighter with a deep amateur pedigree who is currently on a two-fight winning streak.
In formal correspondence from the IBF, Vice Championships Chairman Carlos Ortiz Jr. emphasized that while the titles are up for grabs, safety remains paramount.
"Each boxer is required to take an Anti-doping test immediately following the bout," the IBF mandate stated, ensuring that the integrity of the sport is upheld for these championship-level contests.
The event is a significant collaboration between Australian promoter Peter Maniatis, Russia’s Shamo Boxing, PMI Bohol Boxing Stable and Sanman Boxing.
The dual-championship card is expected to be a pivotal night for Asian and European boxing rankings, potentially propelling the winners into the IBF world top 15.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Dainier Pero Locked In Ahead of WBA Continental USA Title Defense in Orlando
Wed, 18 Feb 2026A Milestone Birthday: Celebrating Brico Santig's 50 Years of Dedication, and Triumph
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 18 Feb 2026PH bet Chezka Centeno finishes 2nd in Florida
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 18 Feb 2026ARNOLD BARBOZA JR. AND KENNETH SIMS JR. SET FOR HIGH-STAKES CLASH IN CAN’T-MISS MAIN EVENT ON DAZN
Wed, 18 Feb 2026CALLUM SMITH VS DAVID MORRELL MEGA FIGHT SET FOR APRIL 18 IN LIVERPOOL AS PAT BROWN HEADLINES IN HIS HOMETOWN ON APRIL 3
Wed, 18 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Youth High Performance Selection Camp Attendees Announced
Wed, 18 Feb 2026Rapid chessfest gets underway February 22
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 18 Feb 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 16 FEBRUARY 2026: Ajagba, Dzambekov, Ruiz Register Stoppage Wins in Zuffa Event
By Eric Armit, Tue, 17 Feb 2026Mexican government and WBC join forces to create mega-project “Boxing for Peace”
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 17 Feb 2026All eyes on GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 17 Feb 2026WBC Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios Locked in for Ryan Garcia Showdown February 21 at T-Mobile Arena
Tue, 17 Feb 2026Dana White mocks traditional boxing promoters: "No contest, it's like hitting babies"
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 17 Feb 2026LEIGH WOOD OUTLINES PLAN OF ATTACK FOR SOLD OUT REMATCH AGAINST JOSH WARRINGTON
Tue, 17 Feb 2026Cain Velasquez released from a California State prison
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 17 Feb 2026Patrick Rivera wins Pacman's Cue Club 10-Ball Tournament; pockets P100,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 17 Feb 2026