Filipino boxer Virgel Vitor is set for another challenging international assignment as he prepares to face the undefeated and world-rated Russian, Artur Subkhankulov. The super-featherweight clash is scheduled for February 13, 2026, in Russia, marking Vitor's third professional fight outside his home country.
Vitor's International Journey: Triumphs and Setbacks
The 28-year-old Vitor first made waves overseas in 2023 with a spectacular performance in Thailand. He demolished local fighter Campee Phayom in just two rounds to capture the WBC Asian Silver super-featherweight title, announcing his arrival on the regional scene.
His next trip, however, ended in heartbreak. A venture to Japan resulted in a split decision loss to Toshihiro Suzuki, a setback that tested the Filipino warrior's resolve. After another loss in 2024, Vitor rebounded strongly last year with two impressive victories. He scored a first-round knockout over Rey Ramos and stopped Alven Vergara in the fourth round, proving his power and determination remain intact.
The Formidable Challenge: Artur Subkhankulov
Standing in Vitor's way is a formidable and rapidly rising force in Artur Subkhankulov. The 33-year-old Russian has built a perfect 10-0 professional record since his debut in 2021, already amassing an impressive collection of regional belts.
Subkhankulov's amateur pedigree is extensive, with 120 amateur bouts and experience in the World Series of Boxing. This foundation has translated seamlessly into the pro ranks. He claimed the WBA Asia super-featherweight title in 2024 and added the WBA Oceania and WBA Continental Europe lightweight belts in 2025 with dominant unanimous decisions over Ibrahim Balla and Tigran Uzlyan.
His consistent performances have earned him world rankings: he is currently ranked No. 10 by the IBF and No. 12 by the WBA. With only four knockouts in his ten wins, Subkhankulov is known for his technical prowess and ring intelligence, posing a starkly different challenge from Vitor's power-punching style.
Stakes and Statistics for the Russia Showdown
The upcoming bout presents a classic crossroads fight. Vitor (24-4, 17 KOs) brings veteran experience and fight-ending power, aiming to derail a top contender's momentum on enemy soil. For Subkhankulov (10-0, 4 KOs), it is an opportunity to defend his home turf and add a respected Filipino veteran's name to his growing resume as he eyes world title contention.
This match is crucial for Vitor's career trajectory. A victory over a world-ranked, undefeated opponent in Russia would be the most significant win of his career, potentially catapulting him into the global rankings. A loss, while not devastating given the opponent's caliber, would be a major hurdle in his pursuit of elite-level fights.
For Filipino boxing fans, this fight represents another chapter in the rich history of Pinoy warriors traveling abroad to face daunting odds. All eyes will be on Virgel Vitor as he steps into the ring in Russia, carrying the hopes of a nation known for its boxing heart.
