The International Boxing Association (IBA) and NOMAD have officially unveiled the complete eight-bout card for International Boxing Day, culminating in a highly anticipated fight night on August 28, 2026. This event, set to take place at the Zh. Ushkempirov Palace of Martial Arts in Astana, Kazakhstan, marks a significant moment for rising star Sanzhar Tashkenbay, who will make his professional debut in the main event.
This three-day boxing extravaganza isn’t just about the main card, though. It’s a celebration of the sport, bringing together a compelling mix of local talents and seasoned international fighters, including world champions. Fans will see five professional boxing contests and three unique IBA NOMAD bouts fought in MMA gloves.
Sanzhar Tashkenbay’s high-stakes professional debut
Kazakhstan’s own Sanzhar Tashkenbay, a two-time IBA world champion from 2023 and 2025 and an Asian title winner in 2022, is poised to headline the event. He steps into the professional ring for the first time against the Philippines’ Neel Jacamos, with the IBF Asia flyweight title on the line.
Tashkenbay already boasts an impressive amateur record, having established himself as one of his generation’s leading boxers. His transition to the professional ranks on home soil, competing for a regional title in a ten-round contest, signals a clear ambition. Jacamos, who previously vied for the Philippine Youth light flyweight title, presents a challenging first test.
IBA NOMAD format returns with bantamweight title rematch
The co-main event promises fireworks, featuring a championship rematch in the distinct IBA NOMAD format, where fighters compete in MMA gloves. IBA NOMAD bantamweight champion Aidos “Alim” Japparbergenov, also from Kazakhstan, will face his compatriot and former champion Almaz Nurgali.
Their initial encounter ended in a draw, leaving an unresolved rivalry that now fuels this five-round showdown in Astana. These bouts, fought in MMA gloves, bring an added layer of aggression and intensity, distinguishing them from traditional boxing matches. This format provides a distinct and fast-paced experience for spectators.
Full Fight Card for International Boxing Day in Astana
Here is the full official eight-bout card confirmed for International Boxing Day on August 28, 2026, at the Zh. Ushkempirov Palace of Martial Arts:
- Sanzhar Tashkenbay (KAZ) vs. Neel Jacamos (PHI): 10 rounds for the IBF Asia flyweight title (Professional Boxing)
- Aidos “Alim” Japparbergenov (KAZ) vs. Almaz Nurgali (KAZ): Championship rematch, 5 rounds (IBA NOMAD bantamweight title, MMA gloves)
- Saken Bibossinov (KAZ) vs. Immanuel Josef (NAM): 8 rounds (Professional Boxing)
- Vadim Tukov (RUS) vs. Eddy Colmenares (VEN): 8 rounds (Professional Boxing)
- Vasile Cebotari (MDA) vs. Jose Miguel Borrego (MEX): 8 rounds (Professional Boxing)
- Yerkebulan Toktar (KAZ) vs. Bobirzhon Isroilov (UZB): 4 rounds (Professional Boxing)
- Kanat Kulmagambetov (KAZ) vs. Timur Abdurakhmanov (RUS): 3 rounds (IBA NOMAD, MMA gloves)
- Ruslan Madiev (KAZ) vs. Imran Agaev (KAZ): 3 rounds (IBA NOMAD, MMA gloves)
Other compelling matchups to watch
Beyond the main and co-main events, the card features several other compelling matchups. Two-time IBA World Champion and Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Saken Bibossinov, another Kazakh talent, will step into an eight-round professional contest. He faces Namibia’s experienced Immanuel Josef, a fighter who has previously competed for regional WBA and WBO titles.
Josef’s track record suggests a tough challenge for Bibossinov, adding intrigue to this professional bout.
Fans will also see an international eight-round bout between unbeaten Russian Vadim Tukov, who holds the WBA Gold title, and Venezuela’s Eddy Colmenares. Colmenares brings his own pedigree, having secured WBA Fedelatin and WBC Latino titles in the past. This clash highlights the international flavour of the card, pitting champions against each other.
Moldova’s Vasile Cebotari, who maintains a flawless 19-0 professional record, will put his unbeaten streak on the line against Mexico’s Jose Miguel Borrego. Cebotari is a European U22 Champion, European Championships bronze medallist, and former WBC Youth Champion.
But he faces a formidable opponent in Borrego, who boasts the IBA Americas title and is a five-time Mexican amateur champion. These are the kinds of bouts that could lead to a two-fight plan for future undisputed championships.
And in a four-round professional boxing match, Kazakhstan’s Yerkebulan Toktar takes on Uzbekistan’s Bobirzhon Isroilov. Isroilov adds an intriguing element to the card, bringing extensive combat sports experience as a Muay Thai World Champion with a 47-3 record. He also maintains an unbeaten start to his professional boxing career, making this an interesting cross-discipline challenge.
Two more IBA NOMAD bouts round out the card, both scheduled for three rounds. Kanat Kulmagambetov of Kazakhstan will meet Timur Abdurakhmanov from Russia, while Kazakh fighter Ruslan Madiev faces off against his compatriot Imran Agaev. These shorter, intense contests are designed to deliver fast-paced action and keep the crowd engaged.
Astana’s growing role in international boxing
Astana is quickly solidifying its reputation as a major hub for international boxing. This International Boxing Day event isn’t an isolated occurrence; it follows a pattern of high-profile tournaments and championships held in the city. Just last year, Astana hosted the World Boxing Cup: Kazakhstan – Astana 2025, and it’s already slated to host the 2027 World Boxing Championships.
This commitment to hosting major events underscores a strategic effort by the International Boxing Association (IBA) and local partners like NOMAD to elevate Kazakhstan’s presence on the global boxing stage. Such events provide invaluable exposure for local fighters like Tashkenbay and Bibossinov, allowing them to compete against international talent and gain crucial experience without leaving home.
Developing local talent is key to any successful unification fight ambitions on the world stage.
The broader implications extend beyond the ring. Hosting these events boosts local tourism and strengthens Astana’s cultural and sporting profile. It draws attention from fans and media worldwide, creating a vibrant atmosphere and fostering the growth of the sport within the region.
This emphasis on varied events and emerging talent reflects a broader effort to maintain a diverse and exciting fight schedule for fans. For the IBA, this partnership represents a strong collaboration that enhances its global calendar and reinforces its influence.
The three-day celebration: more than just fight night
The August 28 fight night is the climax of a three-day International Boxing Day program in Astana. The festivities kick off on August 26, 2026, with an open workout held at Khan Shatyr, offering fans a glimpse into the fighters’ preparations.
The celebrations continue on August 27, 2026, with a comprehensive boxing festival. This day will include the official weigh-ins, allowing fans and media to witness face-offs between the competitors and a press conference.
A range of fan activities and an entertainment program will also be part of the day’s schedule, making it a full-fledged experience for attendees.
This holistic approach to International Boxing Day ensures that the event is more than just a series of bouts. It’s an immersive experience for boxing enthusiasts, engaging them across multiple days with different facets of the sport.
This broader engagement helps capitalize on the buzz generated by the confirmed fight card, ensuring fans remain interested in every WBO title fight and other significant matchups.
Media accreditation for the event remains open until August 20, suggesting that global interest is high. Tickets for the fight night are available through Ticketon.kz, ensuring accessibility for local and visiting fans eager to witness the action at the Zh. Ushkempirov Palace of Martial Arts.
This robust logistical planning underscores the professional execution expected from an event of this magnitude.
