Strandja 2026: Sixteen Uzbek Athletes to Compete in Today’s Semifinals

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Today in Bulgaria, the prestigious international Strandja tournament will feature the semifinal bouts, with 16 members of the Uzbekistan national team taking to the ring.

In the women’s competition, in the 48 kg weight category, Sabina Bobokulova and Farzona Fozilova will step into the ring. In the 51 kg category, Feruza Kazakova will face Caitlin Frers from Ireland, while in the 57 kg category, Nigina Uktamova will meet Niam Fai, also representing Ireland. In the 65 kg division, Navbahor Hamidova will compete against Sache Hickey from England.

In the 75 kg category, Aziza Zokirova will take on Naomi Graham from the United States, and in the 80 kg division, Rukhshona Parpieva will fight for a place in the final against Yaren Duztas from Turkey. In the super heavyweight division above 80 kg, Oltina Sotimboyeva will face Dina Islambekova from Kazakhstan.

In the men’s categories, in the 50 kg division, Asilbek Jalilov will compete against Daniyal Sabit from Kazakhstan, while in the 70 kg category, Shavkatzhon Boltaev will face Farukh Tokhtassunov, also from Kazakhstan.

In the 75 kg category, Fazliddin Erkinboev will meet Gabriele Guidi from Italy. In the 85 kg division, two Uzbek athletes will vie for a spot in the final: Akmaljon Isroilov will fight Danilo Zhasan from Ukraine, and Norbek Abdullaev will face Matvi Rajba, also representing Ukraine.

In the 80 kg category, Javokhir Ummataliyev will face Jamal Kuliyev from Ukraine. In the 90 kg division, Turabek Khabibullaev will compete against Joseph Avinong from the United States, while in the super heavyweight division above 90 kg, Ozodbek Aliev will face the host fighter Yordan Morezhon from Bulgaria. Another 90 kg semifinal will feature Samira Sobirova against Ukrainian boxer Bohdan Tolmachov.

The semifinals mark a crucial step for Uzbekistan’s young boxing team as they aim to advance to the final stages of the tournament.