Legendary American boxer Evander Holyfield, a former undisputed world champion in two weight classes, has expressed his desire to open his own boxing academy in Kyrgyzstan. The organizing committee of the International Night of Professional Boxing says.
This initiative could become one of the largest international projects in the history of Kyrgyz professional boxing. The academy is expected to train young athletes, develop a coaching school, and exchange experience with leading world-class specialists.
Holyfield views Kyrgyzstan as a country with a strong boxing tradition, strong athletes, and significant potential for the development of professional sports. Details of the project, the possible location of the academy, and the format of cooperation are planned to be discussed during the legendary champion’s visit to Kyrgyzstan.
Another important event will be the filming of a new documentary about Evander Holyfield in Kyrgyzstan. Some scenes of the future film will be shot in Issyk-Kul region. Kyrgyzstan’s unique natural beauty, mountainous landscapes, and the shores of one of the world’s largest high-altitude lakes will be featured in an international film project dedicated to the life, athletic career, and legacy of the legendary boxer.
Filming in Issyk-Kul region will showcase Kyrgyzstan to a multi-million international audience not only as a tourist destination, but also as a country opening a new chapter in the development of professional boxing and attracting top international sports figures, organizers say.
Evander Holyfield’s visit is timed to coincide with an international professional boxing event scheduled for July 3, 2026, at Zhashtyk Arena in Bishkek.
The tournament will feature representatives from seven countries: Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Russia, Thailand, and Cuba. Spectators will enjoy eight professional bouts, including two title fights.
In one of the evening’s main events, Kyrgyzstani Yktiyar Nyshanov will face Russian boxer Mikhail Tarkhanov. The special belt of the Chairman of the Zhogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic will be at stake.
In his second title fight, WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental and WBA Asia champion Akzhol Sulaimanbek uulu will take on the dangerous Thai knockout artist and WBA Asia champion Campee Phayom. The athletes will compete for the Professional Boxing League of Kyrgyzstan belt.
Guests of honor at the evening will be Evander Holyfield and Olympic champion and former WBA world champion Alexander Povetkin. Also attending the event will be Uzbek Olympic champion Muhammadkadyr Abdullaev and Olympic bronze medalist, WBA and WBO international title holder Kanat Islam.
The possible opening of an Evander Holyfield academy and the inclusion of Kyrgyzstan in a documentary about the world sporting legend could be the next stage of this large-scale project.
The tournament is being held with the support of Marlen Mamataliev, Chairman of the Kyrgyz Parliament.
