NUR-SULTAN, KAZAKHSTAN (DECEMBER 21, 2021)–2016 Olympic Gold Medalist, Daniyar Yeleussinov won his first world title, as he won the IBO World Welterweight Championship by defeating Juan Hernan Leal (15‐2) via unanimous decision in front of a a sold out arena in Nur-Sultan Kazakhstan.

Fighting at home for the first time in his professional career, Daniyar showed fast hands along with power early on as he tried to impress the hometown crowd.

The power was in full display in the second round as he knocked down Leal with a straight left to the body.

Yeleussinov would then land a fast counter left uppercut that landed on the tip of the nose, dropping Leal once for a second time.

Leal would then go into survival mode for the rest of the way as Yeleussinov would rain punches on a defensive minded Leal.

Unfortunately an injured left hand midway through the fight prevented Yeleussinov from getting the stoppage.

Yeleussinov won easily by scores of 120-105 twice and 120-106, and improved his perfect record to 11-0 with six knockouts.

With this victory, Yeleussinov became the first of the Welterweight Gold Medalist from Kazakhstan to win a world title, and looks forward to winning the other world titles in the future.

The boxing event was special as the title fight coincided with Kazakhstan celebrating 30 years of Independence. This was the first world title fight in Kazakhstan since Beibut Shumenov won the vacant WBA World cruiserweight title on July 7, 2018 in Nur-Sultan.

“I was very excited to finally fight as a pro in front of my family, friends and country, but I put a lot of pressure on myself because I wanted to put on an outstanding performance as I did my last three fights,” said Yeleussinov

“After the two knockdowns in the second round, I hurt my left hand hitting him on top of his head as I was trying to finish him off. Leal would go on survival mode preventing any real openings for me to fully capitalize.”

“Although it wasn’t the performance I wanted, I got some rust off and got much needed rounds, and I went 12 rounds for the first time in my career.”

Boxing Stars Management featured several of their fighters on the show and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this great event a reality.

Said Elvis Crespo of Boxing Stars Management, “I’m satisfied with Daniyar’s performance as he won every round in the fight and he got much needed work as he only has fought nine rounds in the past two years. We will look to keep him more active as soon as his hand heals up. 2022 will be a big year for Daniyar Yeleussinov!”

“It was a great show and at the best time of year as we were celebrating Kazakhstan’s 30 years of independence as well as Daniyar becoming the 5th World Champion from Kazakhstan,” said Ziya Aliyev of Boxing Stars Management. “It was challenging especially with all restrictions with Covid, but we, Boxing Stars, were very active with the promoters to not only make this a great boxing show but also a great event!”

Kazakhstan (March 5, 2018) – Boxing Stars Management Group LLC is proud to announce the signing of 2016 Olympic Gold Medal winner, Daniyar Yeleussinov to an exclusive managerial contract.

As an amateur, Daniyar, was the dominant world amateur welterweight for the last 4 years.

Daniyar was also the 2013 world amateur champion

Going into the 2016 Olympics, the captain of the Kazakhstan Boxing Team was the favorite of the division, and proved his worth by winning all of his bouts via dominant 3-0 decisions including a win over undefeated top British prospect, Josh Kelly in the 2nd round.

His style has been compared to Vasyl Lomachenko and Floyd Mayweather as he has outstanding hand and foot speed, he works off angles, has an impeccable defense and has tremendous power in both hands.

Yeleussinov has continued his countries’ domination in one of boxing’s glamour divisions as he is the 4th straight Kazakhstan boxer to win Gold in the welterweight division, and he is the 1st of those Olympic champions to turn professional.

“When I was coming up, I looked up to the welterweights who won Gold medals before me. Bakhtiyar Artayev, Bakhyt Sarsekbayev, and Serik Sapiyev were my idols,” said Yeleussinov. “I know if they ever turned professional, all three of them would have been world champion, as well as pound for pound one of the best. By signing with my management team, I know they will lead me to the pros properly, and give me the opportunity to show that Kazakhstan not only produces the best welterweights in the amateurs but also the best welterweights in the professional ranks!”

“I want to thank the Kazakhstan Federation Boxing for they have been very supportive to both Daniyar and us with the decision to turn professional,” said Ziya Aliyev, Managing Director of Boxing Stars Management Group LLC. “Kazakhstan is among the elite amateur programs in the world as they have won the most medals in the past several Olympics. With that said, we are honored to have a fighter like Daniyar in our stable as he is not only a great Olympic boxer but also a great person out of the ring.”

“Daniyar is a talent that comes around once every 20 years, who is capable to win a world title in two years and then rule the division for years to come!”

“Many of the top boxing promoters and managers were trying to sign Daniyar because they see what we see, a future superstar in boxing.”

Details on Yeleussinov’s pro debut will be announced shortly