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The WBA Asia Convention is just around the corner, and the fight card that will be part of the program in China is already shaping up with confirmed matchups. The event will take place on September 5 in the city of Suzhou, often referred to as the “Venice of China.”
Headlining the night will be a showdown for the WBA Asia bantamweight title between unbeaten Kazakh Yelshat Nikhemttola (21-0-2, 8 KOs), the WBA Asia East champion, and Indonesia’s Tibo Monabesa (22-2-2, 8 KOs). Nikhemttola remains undefeated but is coming off a draw in March against Namibia’s Fillemon Nghutenanye. Monabesa, on the other hand, is riding the momentum of a decision win over Filipino Ricardo Sueno in a bout staged in East Timor.
Also on the bill, Chinese heavyweight knockout artist Yize Jiang (5-1, 4 KOs) will take on Australian veteran Herman Purcell (19-10, 11 KOs) for the WBA Asia heavyweight crown. Jiang has displayed serious punching power, with four of his victories coming inside the distance — his most recent, a stoppage of India’s Ashsir Bandor in May. Purcell brings the edge in experience, although he’s looking to bounce back from a loss to New Zealand’s Veni Mafi.
Another highlight will be the WBA Asia super lightweight title clash between China’s Lequan Wang (10-2, 7 KOs) and seasoned Japanese contender Akihiro Kondo (37-13-3, 21 KOs). At just 25, Wang will be facing a 40-year-old veteran in Kondo, who is eager to snap a three-fight winless streak.
All of these matchups are part of the WBA Asia Convention program, which brings together representatives from across the region to promote the sport and continue developing boxing under the banner of the World Boxing Association.
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