This week, the eyes of the boxing world shift to Asia, as Suzhou, China hosts the WBA Asia Convention. Four regional titles will be on the line at the event. Beyond that, the week’s agenda also features an International and a Continental championship bout in Pennsylvania and Bielefeld, respectively.
China’s own Yize Jiang (5-1, 4 KOs) looks to showcase his knockout power against veteran Australian Herman Purcell (19-10, 11 KOs). Jiang is coming off a stoppage win over Ashsir Bandor, while Purcell—who brings more than 30 fights of experience—seeks redemption after a setback against Veni Mafi. It’s the classic clash of a seasoned pro against a young puncher still carving his path in the paid ranks.
Unbeaten Kazakh Yelshat Nikhemtolla (21-0-2, 8 KOs) puts his spotless record on the line against Indonesia’s Tibo Monabesa (22-2-2, 8 KOs) in a matchup that promises skill and high tempo. Nikhemtolla enters after a draw with Fillemon Nghutenanye, while Monabesa rides momentum from a victory over Ricardo Sueno. The WBA Asia bantamweight title will be at stake in the night’s main event.
China’s Lequan Wang (10-2, 7 KOs) will battle unbeaten South Korean Dae Hoon Kim (8-0, 4 KOs) for the super lightweight strap. Wang, 25, represents the new wave of Chinese boxing, while Kim looks to cement himself as a continental force with a perfect record intact. With both fighters young and heavy-handed, expect a fast-paced shootout.
Australia’s Lekaysha Woodbridge (1-0, 1 KO) takes a major leap in her career as she faces Thailand’s Kullathida Kueasanor (8-5, 3 KOs) for the women’s flyweight crown. Woodbridge debuted with a knockout this past July and now aims to stun again in just her second pro outing. Kueasanor, with far greater experience, intends to impose her rhythm and shut down the upset bid.
Meanwhile, on September 6 in Bielefeld, Germany, unbeaten German Ilyas Can Kali (13-0-1) and Argentina’s Eduardo Leonel Rodríguez (14-4-2) will run it back in a direct rematch for the vacant WBA Continental Europe welterweight title, following their majority draw in May. Kali, convinced he underperformed in the first encounter, promises sharper preparation this time. Rodríguez, who finished the first fight stronger, enters with confidence. The belt is still vacant, and this time neither fighter can afford to leave doubts.
Another key clash of the week lands in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on September 5. American Brittany Sims (8-3, 5 KOs) squares off with Argentina’s Natalia Francesca (7-5, 0 KOs) for the WBA International women’s bantamweight title. Sims, with the edge in knockout power and home advantage, plans to set the pace early. Francesca, a durable technician, comes hungry for international glory. It’s a clash of styles—power versus precision—with a spot in the world rankings on the line.
