Holyfield, Povetkin to attend major boxing show in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is set to host its most significant professional boxing event to date on July 3, with legendary boxers Evander Holyfield and Alexander Povetnev attending as honored guests. The tournament, held at the "Jashtyq Arena" in Bishkek, aims to elevate Kyrgyz athletes onto the international stage and foster the growth of professional boxing within the nation.

Organizers have dubbed the event the first of its kind in the history of independent Kyrgyzstan's professional boxing scene. The lineup includes athletes from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Russia, Thailand, and Cuba. Spectators can anticipate two main title fights: Kyrgyz fighter Yktyyar Nyshanov will compete against Russia's Mikhail Tarkhanov for a special Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh belt, while Akzhol Sulaymanbek uulu faces Thailand's Phayom Campee for the Kyrgyz Professional Boxing League belt.

Beyond the eight professional matches, the evening promises a concert program and meet-and-greets with boxing stars. Olympic gold medalist Mukhammadkadyr Abdullaev and renowned Kazakh boxer Kanat Islam are also expected to attend. The event is designed to serve as a new platform for promoting Kyrgyz athletes globally and supporting the development of professional boxing in the country.