The IBA Pro series returns on October 6 with an all-Russian heavyweight clash as Sergey Kuzmin and Murad Khalidov collide at IBA Pro 10.
Scheduled for eight rounds, the bout pits two of Russia’s most dangerous punchers against one another in a contest that blends experience, power, and national pride. On the event, IBA President Umar Kremlev said:
“We are thrilled to bring this fight to Saint Petersburg on October 6 with IBA Pro 10. Sergey Kuzmin is one of the most recognizable heavyweights in Russia, with pedigree at both amateur and professional level. Opposite him, Murad Khalidov is a wildcard — a true fighter who has proven himself across multiple disciplines. Drama is not preferred, it is guaranteed.”
Khalidov (10-0, 5 KOs, 1-0 IBA Pro) has captured fans’ attention with his unlikely return to the sport. Once seen as a future star of Russian boxing, his career was halted by legal issues in 2014. After a ten-year absence, Khalidov re-emerged in late 2022, storming through cage boxing and bare-knuckle bouts before upsetting highly-touted Uzbek prospect Khalimjon Mamasoliev at IBA Pro 6 in May — his first gloved boxing match in over a decade.
Two months later, he scored a second-round knockout of Ivan Smirnov in bare-knuckle action. Now, he faces the biggest test of his career against a seasoned world-level opponent, but promises to bring problems of his own.
“I am excited for the chance to face Sergey Kuzmin. He has 14 knockouts, but that doesn’t mean anything to me. I’ll be his toughest opponent yet — just as he’ll be mine. I never chase a knockout; it comes naturally. On October 6, we’ll see who the best heavyweight is.”
Former world-ranked professional Kuzmin (19-2, 14 KOs) returns to gloved boxing after a brief foray into bare-knuckle. The 38-year-old holds wins over David Price and German Garcia Montes, and has shared the ring with top contenders Martin Bakole and Michael Hunter. Known for his disciplined style and heavy hands, Kuzmin enters the fight with a clear edge in professional experience, and a confidence.
“I don’t know how to hype, and I don’t welcome it. This will be a professional boxing match — a gentleman’s sport. I’m already training hard and I’ll be ready for October 6. The ring will show everything.”
IBA Pro CEO Al Siesta believes the matchup perfectly reflects the series’ mission: to deliver competitive, high-stakes fights that matter.
“This fight is another example of the intention of IBA Pro.Two well-matched heavyweights, fighting not only for national pride, but for a place in the IBA Pro heavyweight rankings. Some say Kuzmin’s experience will be decisive; others believe Khalidov has the X factor. The beauty of boxing is that we’ll find out on October 6.”
With both men carrying knockout power and contrasting styles, fans in Saint Petersburg can expect a night of explosive action when Kuzmin and Khalidov step into the ring.
