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Tag: Istanbul

  • James Dickens Shocks the Boxing World, Stops Batyrgaziev in Istanbul – World Boxing Association

    James Dickens Shocks the Boxing World, Stops Batyrgaziev in Istanbul – World Boxing Association


    In one of the biggest upsets of the year, British veteran James “Jazza” Dickens (36-5, 15 KOs) handed Russian standout Albert Batyrgaziev (13-1, 8 KOs) his first professional loss with a stunning knockout victory to claim the WBA interim super featherweight world title. The bout headlined Wednesday night’s card at the Rixos Tersane in Istanbul, Turkey.

    The finish was as dramatic as it was decisive. Dickens, 34, timed a perfect combination in the fourth round that left the previously unbeaten Batyrgaziev unable to respond, forcing the Russian’s corner to throw in the towel.

    Up until that moment, the fight had been tightly contested. Batyrgaziev showcased his usual precision and range control, while Dickens pressed forward, banking on pressure and attrition. But in the fourth, the Liverpool native found the moment he was looking for—a sharp left hook followed by a straight right hand that sent Batyrgaziev to the canvas for the first time in his professional career.

    With the win, Dickens not only secures his first world title, but also snaps the undefeated streak of one of Russia’s most promising prospects. The victory follows a string of strong performances for Dickens, including a recent win over Zelfa Barrett, and firmly reestablishes him as a key player in the super featherweight division.

    For Batyrgaziev, the loss is a significant setback in what had been a fast-rising career. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medalist will now need to regroup and recalibrate his path forward after suffering his first pro defeat.

    On a historic night in Istanbul, James Dickens delivered the defining performance of his career with poise, timing, and a perfectly placed punch.



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  • Batyrgaziev and Dickens set for WBA interim super featherweight showdown in Istanbul – World Boxing Association

    Batyrgaziev and Dickens set for WBA interim super featherweight showdown in Istanbul – World Boxing Association


    All eyes turn to Istanbul this Wednesday as unbeaten Russian standout Albert Batyrgaziev takes on England’s James “Jazza” Dickens for the WBA interim super featherweight world title. The bout headlines a high-stakes night of action at the luxurious Rixos Tersane Istanbul, where international talent and title dreams will collide.

    For Batyrgaziev (13-0, 8 KOs), this fight marks a pivotal moment in his rapid ascent through the pro ranks. The 27-year-old Olympic gold medalist from Tokyo 2020 has been a force since turning professional, bringing the trademark discipline and grit of Dagestan into every performance. His most recent victories—a unanimous decision over Argentina’s Neri Romero in April and a clear win over Ireland’s Jono Carroll before that—have only strengthened his claim as one of the division’s most promising young stars.

    Across the ring will stand the battle-tested Jazza Dickens (35-5, 14 KOs), a 33-year-old veteran from Liverpool with experience, heart, and hunger. Dickens is no stranger to tough opposition, having shared the ring with the likes of Guillermo Rigondeaux, and he’s coming off a momentum-boosting win over Zelfa Barrett in February. Still chasing his first world title, Dickens knows this could be his last big chance—and he’s treating it as such.

    Stylistically, it’s a compelling clash: both fighters are southpaws, both are smart, and both are hungry. Dickens brings craft, awkward angles, and ring IQ. Batyrgaziev offers youth, sharp fundamentals, and physicality. It’s the classic crossroads fight—rising star vs. seasoned contender—with a world title on the line.

    The WBA spotlight shines bright on Istanbul, and the super featherweight division awaits its next big name. Will it be the decorated Russian phenom or the gritty British warrior? Wednesday night, we’ll find out.



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