Young Filipino boxing prospect Gabriel Tapales has secured the most significant opportunity of his career to date. He is scheduled to face Russia's Aznaur Kalsynov for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Asia featherweight title. The pivotal bout is set for February 13, 2026, in Moscow, Russia.
A Major Leap for the Young Contender
This fight represents a pair of firsts for the 22-year-old Tapales. It will be his initial attempt at capturing a regional championship and marks his first professional fight outside the Philippines. Coming off a stellar 2025 campaign, Tapales has earned this chance through a series of impressive victories.
His breakout year began with a majority decision win over Jelo Bacalso. He then delivered a devastating second-round knockout of Ian Donaire. Tapales capped the year with his most notable victory so far, outclassing the talented prospect BJ Wild to earn a convincing unanimous decision.
The Challenge: Aznaur Kalsynov
Standing across the ring will be Aznaur Kalsynov, a 27-year-old Russian fighter with a record of 6 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws. Kalsynov's professional career started slowly, with three consecutive draws following his debut win. His biggest victory came in 2023 with a majority decision over Andranik Grigorian, though he suffered his first loss soon after to Armen Ataev.
After taking time off in 2024, Kalsynov returned last year to score back-to-back wins against Azizjon Arziev and Burgut Hodjiboyev. Despite having only 10 pro bouts, he brings significant experience from an extensive amateur background comprising 31 fights.
What's at Stake for Tapales
The clash with Kalsynov is seen as a true litmus test for Tapales's readiness for the international stage. A decisive victory in Moscow would not only grant him the IBF Asia featherweight strap but would also likely earn him a coveted spot in the world rankings. This would open doors to even bigger fights and establish him as a serious contender in the global featherweight division.
Tapales, the younger brother of former world champion Marlon Tapales, currently boasts a professional record of 9 wins and 1 loss, with 6 of those victories coming by way of knockout. His journey to follow in his brother's footsteps takes a monumental step forward on February 13th in the Russian capital.
