Kazakhstan’s Zhussupov and Grafeyeva strike gold at World Boxing Cup in China
Kazakhstan added two more titles to its tally at the second stage of the World Boxing Cup in China, with Ablaikhan Zhussupov and Viktoriya Grafeyeva winning gold medals to join compatriot Nazym Kyzaibay atop the podium, Qazinform News Agency cites the Kazakhstan Boxing Federation.
Grafeyeva produced one of the standout performances of the tournament in the women’s 60kg division, rallying to defeat Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yu-ting, the reigning Paris 2024 Olympic champion. After dropping the first round, the Kazakh boxer turned the bout around and secured a 3-2 split-decision victory to claim the title.
In the men’s 70kg final, Zhussupov faced India’s Deepak Poonia, who had advanced to the championship bout after defeating 2021 world champion Sewon Okazawa of Japan and Azerbaijan’s Nabi Iskandarov.
Zhusupov arrived in the final in impressive form, having eliminated Brazil’s Kaian Reis, Uzbekistan’s Shavkatjon Boltaev and 2026 Asian champion Zeyad Eashash of Jordan.
The Kazakh dominated the final from the outset, sweeping the opening round 5-0 and taking the second round 4-1. He maintained his advantage in the third round and was awarded victory by split decision, securing the tournament title and delivering Kazakhstan its third gold medal of the World Boxing Cup.
Earlier, Qazinform reported Kazakhstan’s Nazym Kyzaibay claims gold at the World Boxing Cup in China.