Suslenkov to defend WBA continental title against Mann at IBA.PRO 16 in Serpukhov
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 27 Mar 2026
Lausanne, Switzerland, March 27 - The IBA.PRO 16 tournament will bring top-tier heavyweight action to Serpukhov on April 17, headlined by undefeated Russian contender Artem Suslenkov (13-0, 8 KOs) defending his WBA Continental Heavyweight title against Germany’s Artur Mann (23-5, 14 KOs).
Artem Suslenkov (Rus) enters the ring riding a wave of momentum. The 30-year-old captured the WBA Continental belt last October with a dominant stoppage victory over Agron Smakici and followed it up in December by knocking out Stanley Wright to claim the IBA.PRO Intercontinental title. Currently ranked #13 by the WBA, Suslenkov also holds the IBF Europe title and is widely considered one of the division’s most dangerous rising contenders.
He faces a seasoned challenger in Artur Mann (Ger). The 35-year-old German, known for his resilience and high-level experience, famously shared the ring with former champion Sergey Kovalev in April 2025. Mann recently bounced back from that defeat with a clinical first-round knockout of Gregory Garcia in February. Having faced elite competition like Mairis Briedis and Kevin Lerena, Mann aims to use his veteran savvy style to upset the rising Russian star.
The co-main event features a compelling 8-round welterweight domestic clash between Nikita Miroshnichenko (Rus) (16-2-1, 5 KOs) and Aleksandr Khokhlov (Rus) (4-1-1, 1 KO). Miroshnichenko brings elite pedigree to the ring, having served as a primary sparring partner for Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and training under the world-renowned Reynoso team in Guadalajara.
Serpukhov fans will also witness an emotional evening as local favorite Sergey Kalchugin (Rus) (5-0, 3 KOs) competes in his farewell professional bout. Additionally, the city’s rising star and 2025 Russian Championship finalist Danila Belevitin (Rus) will look to continue his ascent in the rankings.
One more bout will feature Yury Osipov (Rus), who is an undefeated middleweight prospect (4-0) known for his "powered punches." He recently gained attention after a clean victory over American Nikita Ababiy and is also looking to climb the international rankings.
The night in Serpukhov will have an explosive opening with Russia’s Nikita Kurenkov (Rus) will face Armenian David Azizyan (Arm) Kurenkov is a rising Russian talent, while Azizyan is a durable Armenian competitor who has previously fought on major IBA stages.
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