Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 13 Feb 2026
Tapales (R) and Kalsynov (L) at yesterday's weighin.
Two Filipino boxers step onto Russian soil tonight, Feb. 13, with championship glory on the line as Vergil Vitor and Gabriel Tapales compete for separate IBF Asia titles in Moscow, Russia.
The event is promoted by Australian Hall of Fame promoter Peter Maniatis in partnership with Shamo Boxing’s Shamir Petrossian, and features two highly competitive Philippines-versus-Russia matchups.
Tapales Faces Kalsynov in 50-50 Battle
Gabriel Tapales of Sanman Gym in General Santos City, trained by Nonito Donaire Sr., enters the ring with a 9-1 professional record and is currently ranked No. 6 in the Philippines.
Tapales will square off against Russia’s Aznaur Kalsynov, who carries a 6-1-3 record and is ranked No. 6 in Russia. Despite having no knockout victories among his six wins, Kalsynov is known for his technical ability and durability.
“This is a quality matchup,” said Maniatis. “Tapales has proven himself domestically, and Kalsynov is a tough opponent on his home soil. This is truly a 50-50 fight.”
Their IBF Asia title bout is scheduled for 10 rounds of three minutes each.
At the official weigh-in in Moscow:
Gabriel Tapales – 56.85 kg
Aznaur Kalsynov – 56.80 kg
Both fighters comfortably made weight, setting the stage for what promises to be a closely contested encounter.
Virgel Vitor (R) and Artur Subkhankulov (L) pose at yesterday's weighin in Moscow.
Vitor Takes on Undefeated Subkhankulov
In the second IBF Asia title fight, Vergil Vitor of PMI Boxing Gym in Tagbilaran, Bohol, brings an impressive 24-4 record with 17 knockouts into his showdown against unbeaten Russian Artur Subkhankulov.
Vitor is currently ranked No. 4 in the Philippines and has earned his shot at the IBF Asia crown through consistent performances and knockout power.
Subkhankulov enters the bout undefeated at 10-0 with four knockouts, presenting a stern test for the seasoned Filipino contender.
The official weights:
Vergil Vitor – 60.6 kg
Artur Subkhankulov – 61.2 kg
Their championship contest will also be fought over 10 three-minute rounds.
Maniatis extended his appreciation to the IBF and event partners.
“A big thank you to IBF officials Mr. Ben Keilty, George Martinez, President Daryl Peoples, and Carlos Ortiz for their continued support,” Maniatis said.
He also acknowledged Oleg Bogdanov and Eduard Kravtsov for their work in arranging quality title bouts for the February 13 event.
With national pride and regional titles at stake, Filipino boxing fans will be watching closely as Vitor and Tapales attempt to bring home IBF Asia honors from Moscow.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
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