Armenian Boxers Claim 4 Victories on the First Day of the Strandja Cup 2026

On February 23, the oldest international boxing tournament — the Strandja Cup 2026 — kicked off in Sofia, Bulgaria. On the opening day, five Armenian boxers entered the ring, four of whom secured victories and advanced in the prestigious tournament.

Victories of Armenian Athletes

Artur Bazeyan (60 kg) confidently began the tournament, defeating Ireland’s Adam Hession by split decision (4:1). The Armenian boxer advanced to the Round of 16, where he will face Salim-Ellis Bey (USA), who previously defeated Kazakhstan’s Ruslan Kuzuebayev.

Marat Mikaelyan (75 kg) earned a unanimous decision victory over Bulgaria’s Stelian Strahilov and advanced to the quarterfinals. His next opponent will be Gabriele Guidi (Italy).

Harutyun Hakobkokhyan (70 kg) defeated Kelvin Sokess (Czech Republic) by split decision to reach the Round of 16. In his next bout, he will meet Lavant Brownlee (USA). Harutyun is the son of renowned boxer and world champion Israel Hakobkokhyan.

Rudolf Garboyan (50 kg) confidently passed the opening stage, defeating Turkmenistan’s Rasul Arslanov by unanimous decision. In the quarterfinals, he will face Bilalkhabashi Nazarov (Azerbaijan).

The Only Defeat of the Day

Narek Manasyan (90 kg) lost to Bulgaria’s Roselin Bachevski by split decision and concluded his performance at the tournament.

Scandal at the Strandja Cup: Manasyan Lost Despite Clear Advantage

Additionally, Gor Ayvazyan (55 kg), representing Georgia, defeated his Turkish opponent and advanced to the Round of 16.

The tournament in Sofia concluded on March 1.