Boxing

Batyr Jukembayev Reflects On “Birthday Bash” Battle With Kane Gardner

Jukembayev offered his thoughts on picking up in a regional title in an exclusive interview
Joseph Hammond|
Jukembayev, 34, got his career back on track with a win in his native Kazakhstan
Jukembayev, 34, got his career back on track with a win in his native Kazakhstan | Rasul Rozybakiyev/Kazakh Warriors

Batyr Jukembayev won a ten-round decision over Kane Gardner (17-5, 7 KOs) of the United Kingdom in Astana, Kazakhstan to win a regional title. A victory made more significant in that it occurred on his birthday.

Jukembayev (24-1) scooped up the World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Gold title and likely broke into the top 10 rankings in the 140 lb division.

"I’ll be mandatory for the champions by the end of the year so that the champions won’t be able to run away and will be forced to fight me,” Jukembayev said in an exclusive interview with KO On SI.

The World Boxing Association (WBA) ranked Jukembayev 12th in the super lightweight division prior to the fight according to his manager.

“After an eight-month layoff, I was happy to do some rounds. I felt in control of the whole fight and enjoyed myself. The crowd was fantastic, and it was an amazing show."

The fighter said he hopes to earn a world title shot later this year following his victory over the durable Garner. In his previous fight, Jukembayev destroyed Ivan Redkach in five rounds.

At the top of the card from Barys Arena in Kazakhstan, unified middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly successfully defended his WBO and IBF titles with a stoppage win over Anabel Ngamissengue in the fifth round.

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Joseph Hammond
JOSEPH HAMMOND

Joseph Hammond is a veteran sports journalist with extensive experience covering world championship fights across three continents. He has interviewed legendary champions such as Julio César Chávez, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, Gennady Golovkin, Oscar De La Hoya, and Bernard Hopkins, among many others. He reported ringside for KO On SI in 2024 for the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk bout in Riyadh - the first undisputed heavyweight championship in 24 years.

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