Key Matchups in the Third Stage of the WBC Boxing Grand Prix

We’re getting closer to the grand finale of the first-ever world boxing championship organized by the World Boxing Council. This Wednesday, August 13 (Saudi Arabia time), the third stage of the Boxing Grand Prix kicks off, with the quarterfinals just ahead.

The battles among the 32 remaining fighters will be decisive in shaping the finalists, and while every matchup matters, some stand out for the quality of the contenders and the clash of styles. Here’s a look at the most promising duels, division by division:

Featherweight

Muhamet Qamili vs Troy Nash

A bout between two explosive fighters looking to establish themselves as the favorites in their division. Both enter this stage unbeaten and with every reason to dream big.

Qamili has overcome two tough tests in this tournament. With an aggressive yet quick style, he’s a hard target to hit and packs plenty of punching power. He has also taken the “0” from both of his Grand Prix opponents so far.

Nash is a rising star. With a unique style, he uses his reach to make life difficult for his rivals. In the first stage, he gave us one of the best fights of the tournament against Alexander Kovrigin, and in the last round, he handed Zholdas Zhengissov his first loss.

Yusuf Adejini vs Yoni Valverde

One of the night’s most intriguing matchups.

Nigerian Yusuf Adejini delivered a powerful performance in his last fight. In what looked like a sure defeat, Adejini turned things around, using his physical attributes to control the action and make a statement in the division.

Yoni Valverde had a last-minute opponent change when Tyshawn Denson—his original rival—suffered an allergic reaction that forced him out. That didn’t stop Valverde from advancing to this stage, as he defeated Oleksandr Solomennikov by majority decision. The Frenchman has all the tools to give us a memorable fight on August 13.

Super Lightweight

Misael Cabrera vs Mujibillo Tursunnov

A clash between two high-volume, come-forward fighters.

Mexican Cabrera is coming off a grueling battle against countryman Orlando Barajas and has clearly dominated his two previous bouts.

Tursunnov, meanwhile, beat Argentina’s Alan Dutra by majority decision in a close contest. His aggression from the opening bell makes him a dangerous threat.

This is a fight that could steal the show.

Carlos Utria vs Spencer Wilcox

An unbeaten showdown with the feel of an early final.

Colombian Utria has shined every time out—scoring a knockout in his debut and delivering one of the tournament’s best fights next time out.

Canada’s Wilcox has been calculated and precise, controlling his opponents with intelligence and unleashing explosive offense when needed.

Both come in at their peak, and the winner could well be the favorite for the 140-pound crown.

Middleweight

Emilio Aguillón vs Lancelot De la Chapelle

A Mexico vs France matchup with high KO potential.

Aguillón beat a fellow Mexican in the last round, proving once again that all-Mexican bouts are guaranteed action. With a record of 13-0-1 and 7 KOs, his power is undeniable.

On the other side, De la Chapelle overcame a rough start to stop Venezuela’s Isaac Torres in emphatic fashion. His height and reach advantage make him tricky to figure out.

Two different styles that could collide in explosive fashion.

Dmytro Rybalko vs Derek Pomerleau

Matchups like this define tournaments.

Rybalko is coming off a dominant win over Mohammad Issa and, in his debut, needed the Grand Prix tiebreak system after a razor-close fight with Jude Grant.

Pomerleau pulled off a spectacular comeback against Paul Ryan—down in the first round and winning by KO in the third.

Both have what it takes to take the division, and this bout could be decisive.

Heavyweight

Ahmed Krnjic vs Tsotne Rogava

Bosnia and Ukraine collide in a duel with knockout written all over it.

Krnjic has stopped both his previous opponents inside the distance, including a dominant win over Italy’s Davide Brito. Four of his five wins have come by KO.

Rogava, WBC U.S. heavyweight champion in 2024, scored a knockout in his debut and then put on a show against Vitaly Stalchenko. His power and ambition make him one of the favorites for the title.

A war between two pure punchers.

Piotr Lacz vs Kevin Ramírez

An intercontinental clash between Poland and Argentina that promises fireworks.

Lacz scored the only first-round KO of the entire second stage, avenging two amateur losses to Marko Mulin with the night’s best knockout.

Ramírez, on the other hand, overcame a rough start against Reagan Apanu, winning despite dislocating his right shoulder in the fourth round. His resilience and heart make him a dangerous foe.

A trial by fire for both men on the road to the semifinals.