Who is Batyrzhan Akhmedov?
Former Ukrainian boxer Batyrzhan Akhmedov has raised concerns over a gasoline shortage in Russia. He spends most of his time in the temporarily occupied Crimea, where he recently managed to find a limited fuel supply in Bilohirsk. On Instagram, Akhmedov appealed to his followers for help locating 20 liters of gasoline to purchase.
Akhmedov, 35, holds a record of 10-4, with 9 wins coming by knockout. Born in Uzbekistan, he later moved to Crimea. Until 2013, he competed under the Ukrainian flag, with his last official tournament taking place in Ivano-Frankivsk, where he lost to Denys Berinchyk by judges’ decision. After 2014, the athlete fought under the Turkish flag. His final major amateur tournament was at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. The following year, he turned professional, debuting with Russian citizenship.
Throughout his career, Akhmedov has had ten bouts, eight of which he won by knockout. His only loss at that time came against Mario Barrios in a WBA Super title fight. Since 2014, he participated in bouts sanctioned by the WBA, but following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the association banned Russians from fighting for titles and retained only current champions in its rankings. Akhmedov’s 2022 fight against Alberto Puello was sanctioned as a Uzbek vs. Dominican matchup, but he lost by split decision. Since then, he has suffered two more losses in three fights—against Kenneth Sims and Oscar Duarte. On BoxRec, his nationality is still listed as Ukraine.
The State of Professional Boxing
In the professional boxing world, French heavyweight Tony Yoka also stands out, ranking first among French heavyweights according to BoxRec. Yoka, the 2016 Olympic champion, has announced a fight against 32-year-old Russian Murat Gassiev, scheduled for July 11, 2026, at the VTB Arena in Moscow. This bout will headline the WINLINE professional boxing evening, IBA.PRO 19, organized by the International Boxing Association (IBA), which has lost its Olympic status.
The gasoline shortage in Russia that Akhmedov highlights may point to broader economic issues stemming from sanctions and military actions. The athlete’s appeal to his followers underscores the difficulties faced not only by ordinary citizens but also by well-known figures trying to navigate challenging circumstances.
The announced fight between Tony Yoka and Murat Gassiev also signals the continued activity of professional boxing despite political tensions. This matchup will draw attention from sports fans and could serve as a key milestone in the international careers of both boxers.
The current challenges faced by athletes in the boxing world are not limited to fuel shortages, as seen in Batyrzhan Akhmedov's situation. The professional landscape is further complicated by recent developments involving fighters like French heavyweight Tony Yoka, who is set to fight a Russian opponent in Moscow. This highlights the ongoing tensions and shifting dynamics in international boxing, particularly for those navigating the complexities of national representation and competition amidst geopolitical conflicts.