Russians rule the roost at IBA Boxing World Championships in Dubai

In the super- heavyweight finale, Russia's David Surov set a punishing pace against Uzbekistan's Arman Makhanov. Taller but off- rhythm, Makhanov wilted under Surov's pressure

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The final contests of the IBA 2025 Boxing World Championships in Dubai closed with the same kind of thrills and spills that lit up the tournament across the past week.

Under the searing lights of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, the 2025 IBA Men's World Boxing Championships showcased 13 gold medal bouts, including a single stoppage, during a twoweek extravaganza that featured $8.32 million in prize money.

Russia dominated the medal table, claiming seven golds, five silvers, and a bronze to secure overall champion status. Kazakhstan followed with three golds, one silver, and two bronzes, taking second place, while Uzbekistan rounded out the top three with two golds, four silvers, and three bronzes.

In a thrilling youth-versus-experience showdown at 48kg, Azerbaijan's Subhan Mamedov emerged victorious, claiming gold with a narrow 4-3 decision over Russia's Edmond Khudoian.

Khudoian sought to overwhelm the youngster with frenzied bursts from both stances, unsettling Mamedov in the first round and earning a 3-2 split on the cards. Undeterred, Mamedov returned in the second with steely focus, letting his double jabs and right hands flow freely, securing a 4-1 split and reclaiming control of the bout.

The final round saw both men trading ferocious blows, but it was Mamedov's composure, timing, and accuracy that swayed the judges. As the final bell rang, the young Azerbaijani raised his arms in triumph, while a stunned Khudoian wandered the ring, left to ponder a hard-fought silver.