A high-profile boxing event is set to unfold in Sochi, bringing a compelling lineup to the ring. In the main event, Russia’s own middleweight contender Rajab Butaev will collide with Uzbekistan’s Fazliddin Gaibnazarov, a matchup that has fans eager for a clash of boxing pedigrees. Butaev, carrying a 14-1 record with 11 knockouts, aims to reaffirm his standing after a title bid, while Gaibnazarov, at 11-1 with 6 knockouts, looks to add another signature win to his Olympic-lauded résumé. The promotion team confirmed the fight and highlighted the breadth of experience both fighters bring into the ring.
Butaev’s career has seen him ascend to the fringes of heavyweight glory before settling into a middleweight path. He previously claimed the WBA heavyweight crown, a title he defended with grit until he relinquished it in his most recent world-title tilt, a split-decision setback against Eimantas Stanionis in April 2022. Gaibnazarov counters with a different kind of firepower; the 2016 Olympic champion also earned silver at the 2015 World Championships and the 2015 Asian Championships, credentials that underscore his ability to excel on the biggest stages. The match promises a tactical chess match with power shots sprinkled throughout the rounds.
In a notable side card, the show features a bout that carries its own significant implications. Uzbekistan’s Khasanboy Dusmatov, the 2016 Olympic gold medalist who most recently topped the 2023 world championship podium, will step into the ring with Siphamandle Baleni, a veteran from South Africa known for durability and a versatile skill set. Dusmatov comes in with a perfect 5-0 mark and five knockouts, while Baleni, carrying a 21-5-2 record with eight knockouts, is aiming to derail the young Uzbek star and reassert himself as a problem for higher-ranked opponents. The pairing is anticipated to deliver a contrast of youthful speed against seasoned ring intelligence.
Another intriguing encounter on the undercard is a light heavyweight rematch that has boxing aficionados talking. The show will feature Timur “Archangel” Nikulin and Zelimkhan “Machine Gunner” Dukaev meeting again after their initial bout in September 2021, which Nikulin captured by unanimous decision. This rematch is anticipated to offer renewed fireworks, with both fighters adjusting strategies and looking to showcase growth since their first encounter. The narrative here isn’t just about who wins, but about which fighter has refined their approach and sharpened the tools needed to excel at the higher echelons of the division.
The event is scheduled for November 6 and will take place at the Red Arena in Krasnaya Polyana, a venue known for its intimate atmosphere and the backdrop of major sporting energy. Fans in attendance will have the chance to witness a card that blends proven veterans with rising stars, all under the bright lights that make boxing nights memorable. For those following remotely, the full card will be available to viewers on the Match TV channel, providing an accessible option to enjoy the action from multiple time zones. The broadcast plan underscores the event’s aim to reach fans across regions, from local enthusiasts to international followers who track every boxing weekend with keen interest.
A surprising note from the broader combat-sports world sprinkled into coverage of the evening involves former MMA fighter Francis Ngannou. Ngannou appeared in a social media post connected to Saudi football star Cristiano Ronaldo, in which Ronaldo is shown presenting Ngannou with a luxury watch. The exchange drew attention for its glimpse into cross-sport camaraderie and the way athletes from different disciplines recognize and celebrate one another’s achievements. The moment highlighted how personal gifts and public appreciation can travel across sports, adding a small layer of human interest to the night’s main boxing spectacle.