Hovhannes Bachkov wins his fifth bronze medal at World Boxing Championships

Armenian boxer Hovhannes Bachkov (67 kg) has become a five-time bronze medalist at the World Boxing Championships. At the IBA World Championships 2025 held in Dubai, he finished his run in the semifinals, losing to Russia’s Evgeny Kool by a split decision — 2:5. The third-place finish earned Bachkov a prize of 75,000 USD.

On his way to the medal, Bachkov delivered three impressive and confident performances, defeating opponents from Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Kenya. However, in the semifinal he was beaten by the Russian boxer — the outcome raised questions, as the judges’ decision appeared rather controversial.

At 33, Bachkov has won two European Championships, but at the Olympic Games and World Championships he has always come away with bronze. He has often faced unfair judging, yet he kept hoping to win world gold. Now, the boxer from Gyumri temporarily stepped away from professional boxing (8-0) to try once again to claim the gold, but was unsuccessful.

In the 67 kg final, Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev (Uzbekistan) will face Evgeny Kool (Russia).

Earlier, another Armenian boxer, Artur Bazeyan, also won a bronze medal for Armenia at the 2025 World Championships after losing in the semifinals. Three more Armenian boxers are set to compete in the semifinals.