Filipino slugger Alvin Camique steps into the ring for a major regional title shot this Saturday, December 20, 2025. He will face undefeated Kazakh fighter Yelshat Nikhemttolla for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia bantamweight championship. The high-stakes bout is set at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Camique's Road to Redemption
The 28-year-old Camique enters this fight riding a two-bout winning streak, a testament to his resilience after a tough stint in Japan. Late last year, his campaign in the Land of the Rising Sun ended with a unanimous decision loss to Ryo Mandokoro. He returned to Japan in January only to suffer another unanimous decision defeat, this time against Sento Ito.
Camique's comeback began impressively on home soil. On March 3, 2025, in South Cotabato, he demolished James Pagaling in the very first round. He then carried that momentum overseas to Tanzania seven months later, where he stopped the previously-unbeaten Ibrahim Mafia in the fourth round.
Adding to his preparation, Camique recently served as a sparring partner for Filipino legend Nonito Donaire. He helped Donaire prepare for his world title clash against WBA bantamweight king Seiya Tsutsumi on Wednesday, December 17.
The Formidable Undefeated Challenger
Standing in Camique's way is a highly-ranked and experienced opponent. Yelshat Nikhemttolla, 31, holds the No. 7 spot in the WBA bantamweight rankings and boasts an unblemished professional record. He has built his reputation largely fighting in China and Kazakhstan, and has a notable history against Filipino boxers.
Nikhemttolla's record includes victories over several Pinoy fighters, such as:
- Ardin Diale
- Cris Alfante
- Justine Darap
- Conrado Tanamor
- Eranio Semillano
- Jayar Estremos
In 2025, the Kazakh fighter has fought twice. He defeated Flasidus Nuno by fourth-round technical knockout and later settled for a draw with Fillemon Nghutenanye.
Final Stats and Stakes
At the official weigh-in, Camique came in at 117.7 pounds, while Nikhemttolla was slightly heavier at 117.9 pounds. The Filipino contender's professional record stands at 11 wins and 4 losses, with 6 of those victories coming by knockout. His opponent presents a formidable challenge with a record of 21 wins, 0 losses, and 2 draws, securing 8 knockouts.
This fight represents a crucial opportunity for Alvin Camique to claim a significant regional title and catapult himself into the upper echelons of the competitive bantamweight division. A win over a highly-ranked, undefeated fighter on foreign soil would be the most impressive victory of his career.
