Turarov in action in July
The long-awaited return of the fearsome Zhankosh Turarov (22-0, 15 KOs) will lead a historic July 6 card in Kazakhstan that includes a world title fight. He recently signed on with MTK Global last month.
The landmark event will take place at the massive Barys Arena in the Kazakh capital of Nur-Sultan on the Day of the Capital City with 13,000 set to attend and witness boxing history.
The streaming service ESPN+ will be carrying the broadcast for North American viewers alongside with iFL TV to ensure viewership across the rest of the world.
Featuring alongside Turarov are international stars Nordine Oubaali and David Oliver Joyce, who defend the WBC world bantamweight title and WBO European featherweight title respectively.
In addition, a who’s who of elite Kazakh talent will look to capture the imagination on the night with the undefeated sextet of Sultan Zaurbek, Viktor Kotochigov, Ali Baloyev, Abilkhaiyr Shegaliyev, Nurtas Azhbenov and Abay Tolesh all in action.
“There are few nations developing as much great young talent as Kazakhstan,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum in a press release. “July 6 in Nur-Sultan – live on ESPN+ – is the start of something special for Kazakhstan boxing, and Top Rank is proud to be working with MTK Global on this exciting venture.”
Head of MTK Kazakhstan Askar Salikbayev said in the release: “This is phenomenal news for everyone – for the country of Kazakhstan, for MTK Global, for the fighters and for the fans.
“The Day of the Capital City, in Nur-Sultan in 2019 will go down as a night of true breakthrough for the sport of boxing in Kazakhstan and we are all very proud to be playing a part in it.”
Advisor for MTK M.E & Asia Ahmed A. Seddiqi added said in the release: “This is a special moment and the night itself will be even more special as some of the world’s leading talents put on a showcase in this boxing stronghold.
“The days of Kazakh fighters having to leave their homeland in search of glory and depriving their fans of joining them on the journey will end with this event. We are here to build something lasting.”
Marquis Johns is a unknown humorist and avid boxing fan. His love for the sweet science goes back to when matches were 15 rounds and has been covering fights since closed-circuit pay-per-views. Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth is not only a quote by Mike Tyson, it's also a pretty good reminder to keep your guard up.
