(June 2nd) Two of Russian boxing’s most dangerous cruiserweight contenders will collide on 11 July at VTB Arena in Moscow as Mural “Champion” Khalidov and Arslan Yallyev square off on the undercard of the blockbuster IBA PRO 19 event.

The all-Russian showdown brings together two contenders from Dagestan whose paths have crossed for years, but who now find themselves competing for far more than regional pride. With both men seeking to strengthen their position in the national rankings and move closer to major international opportunities, the bout carries significant implications for the future of the cruiserweight division.

With contrasting styles, regional pride, ranking implications and a place on one of the biggest boxing events of the year, the stage is set for an explosive encounter between two men determined to make a statement under the bright lights of Moscow.

Yallyev, with 17 victories (11 KOs) in 18 bouts, enters the contest eager to seize the biggest opportunity of his professional career. His solitary defeat came on May 17, 2025, in Paris, when he was bested via a 10-round unanimous decision by former Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka—who is now set to headline IBA PRO 19 against Murat Gassiev.

“I feel very good. As for my opponent, I know him really well: we have mutual friends and acquaintances, so there is nothing personal here,” said Yallyev. “Khalidov is a good puncher and a fighter with character. He is also from Dagestan, and I am from Tamazatyube myself. I think we will put on a good fight. I am glad to have been given the opportunity to compete on a big stage.”

For Khalidov (12-0, 6 KOs), however, the fight represents another step in a journey he believes is leading back to world title contention.

“I do not feel anything extraordinary. I am simply glad that I have a fight and that I have work to do,” said Khalidov. “For me, as an experienced athlete, this is another day at the office. Yallyev is in the Russian boxing top. Until recently, he was ranked above me but I have now overtaken him and moved higher. This fight will simply prove that it was no accident.”

Despite his confidence, Khalidov insisted there will be no complacency.

“At this stage of my career, every rival presents a threat. I have faced opponents who were much more dangerous than Yallyev, but there is absolutely no underestimation. I prepare for every fight as if it were my last. To be a part of the card as big as Gassiev vs Yoka is a great honour for me and a major opportunity to make an even louder statement,” Khalidov added. “I intend to fight for a world title again under one of the major organisations, and I will not let this opportunity pass me by.”

Having spent many years living and training in Moscow, Khalidov is also expecting strong support from the local crowd.

“I have been living in Moscow for many years. Many people here know me, and I know many people here as well. That is why fighting in Moscow feels like fighting at home. If you have the chance to come to the arena and watch our fight, as well as the entire event, make sure you find time to be there. It will be a spectacular night of boxing. I promise one thing: people will be talking about my fight for a long time. I will say it directly — this fight will not go the entire distance.”

IBA PRO 19 takes place on 11 July at VTB Arena in Moscow and it will feature Murat Gassiev’s WBA Heavyweight World Championship defence against Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka in the main event.

Tickets available via the official ticketing platform (click here).

WBA Heavyweight Champion Murat “Iron” Gassiev (33-2, 26 KOs) will defend his title against Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka (15-3, 12 KOs) in the main event of IBA PRO 19 on Saturday, 11 July 2026 at the VTB Arena in Moscow. The heavyweight showdown will headline one of the strongest IBA PRO fight cards of the year, featuring world title fights, top contenders, Olympic champions and rising stars from across the globe.

For Gassiev, the bout will represent the first defence of the WBA heavyweight title he captured with a sixth-round knockout victory over Kubrat Pulev at IBA PRO 13. The 32-year-old Russian became his country’s first heavyweight world champion in more than a decade and now returns to fight on home soil in front of Moscow fans. Now, the man fittingly nicknamed ‘Iron’ returns home to defend the belt that Russia waited thirteen years to reclaim.

Yoka, meanwhile, enters the fight aiming to become France’s first-ever professional heavyweight world champion. The 34-year-old Olympic champion coached by Don Charles, who brought up and led to the top of heavyweight stars Derek Chisora and Daniel Dubois, remains one of the most recognisable heavyweight names in European boxing thanks to his elite amateur pedigree, technical style and knockout power.

Murat Gassiev, WBA Heavyweight champion: “Tony Yoka is an Olympic Champion. He is a big, strong, experienced boxer with a solid amateur background. He is an Olympic champion, and this definitely won’t be an easy fight. That said, I believe I have a greater desire to retain my title and to beat him. That is the most important thing – what you bring into the ring. Every time I step into the ring, I come with the desire to win and do everything possible to get that victory. I would like to thank both my team and the IBA President, Umar Kremlev, for this opportunity. On July 11, the people of Moscow will see the best version of Murat Gassiev – and I promise them fireworks.”

Tony Yoka, Olympic champion, BoxRec #1 Heavyweight in France: “I’m going to win this world title for all my people in France and Congo that have not only stuck with me, but still believe in me becoming a professional world champion. I’ve been working hard for over two years now with Don Charles and I’m ready to showcase to the boxing world the changes in my professional boxing. I want to thank Don and my team for backing me 100% through this period, as well as Frank and George Warren at the best promoters in the world, Queensberry, for getting me this opportunity which I will make the most of.”

Umar Kremlev, President of the International Boxing Association (IBA): “The IBA is incredibly proud to bring a heavyweight super fight of this magnitude to Moscow. Murat Gassiev and Tony Yoka represent the absolute pinnacle of boxing excellence – one an incredible WBA world champion defending his crown at home, the other an Olympic gold medallist fighting for the professional history of his nation. This event represents everything the IBA stands for: providing the ultimate platform for the world’s premier talent to compete at the highest level.”

IBA Pro is a professional boxing platform launched by the International Boxing Association (IBA) in early 2025 to bridge amateur and pro careers for elite boxers, including Olympic medalists. It operates as an international league, promotion, and championship with innovative tournament formats, fast-paced bouts, and immersive storytelling, partnering with BoxRec for rankings.

Events follow IBA weight classes (13 men's, 12 women's) with extended rounds like 5x3 minutes for men and cash incentives for top performers. The inaugural event occurred in Moscow, with 14 events across countries by early 2026, including a DAZN broadcast deal. Notable bouts include Murat Gassiev's sixth-round KO of Kubrat Pulev to win the WBA heavyweight title at IBA Pro 13 in Dubai on December 12, 2025—the first such heavyweight title fight in the UAE.

Led by Director General Al Siesta, IBA Pro emphasizes lower risks for fighters transitioning from amateur ranks while retaining flexibility. It builds on IBA's history of pro initiatives like the earlier AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) and World Series of Boxing (WSB), amid the organization's controversies including IOC expulsion in 2023 over governance issues. IBA Pro also ties into events like the Thrilla in Manila 50th anniversary card in October 2025 with Manny Pacquiao's MP Promotions.

This setup showcases intense pro-level action, as seen in recent IBA Pro cards with shirtless fighters trading blows in packed arenas.