Location: TBA (expected to be Dubai, Macau, or a U.S. Matchroom/Queensberry card)
Broadcast: DAZN / International PPV
Scheduled Start Time: Approx. 10:00 PM ET
Weight Class: Super Welterweight (154 lbs)
Rounds: 12 rounds (WBA/WBO eliminator expected)
This is a high‑stakes crossroads fight between a rising Chinese contender and a seasoned Russian technician. The winner moves directly into world‑title contention at 154 lbs.
VENUE & CONDITIONS
The official venue is pending, but the fight is expected to be held in:
Indoor arena
Climate‑controlled environment
20’ x 20’ or 22’ x 22’ ring
Impact:
Neutral conditions
No altitude or humidity concerns
Favors technical counter‑punchers (Kurbanov)
Also benefits pressure fighters (Li)
INJURY REPORT
Tonghui Li
No reported injuries
Full camp underway
Known for excellent conditioning and durability
Magomed Kurbanov
No current injuries
Past: minor hand swelling in 2024 (fully healed)
No layoffs or medical concerns
Conclusion: Both fighters enter healthy and fully prepared.
FIGHTER PROFILES & MATCHUP ANALYSIS
🇨🇳 TONGHUI LI
Record: 18–0 (14 KO) Age: 27 Height: 5’10” Style: Pressure boxer‑puncher Stance: Orthodox
Recent Form
KO win (2025)
UD win over ranked contender (2025)
6‑fight KO streak before stepping up in class
Li is one of China’s most promising rising stars. He applies relentless pressure, throws heavy combinations, and has real knockout power at 154 lbs.
Strengths
High output
Heavy hands
Strong body punching
Youth, size, and momentum
Excellent stamina
Weaknesses
Defense can be leaky
Sometimes squares up
Limited experience vs. elite world‑level opponents
🇷🇺 MAGOMED “BLACK LION” KURBANOV
Record: 25–1 (13 KO) Age: 30 Height: 5’9” Style: Technical boxer Stance: Orthodox Accolades: Former WBA/WBO regional champion
Recent Form
UD win (2025)
Close loss to top contender (2024)
4‑fight winning streak before that
Kurbanov is a seasoned technician with excellent timing, tight defense, and strong counter‑punching. He has beaten multiple world‑level opponents and is known for his durability and ring IQ.
Strengths
Elite timing
Strong counter‑punching
Excellent defense
Championship‑level experience
Efficient footwork
Weaknesses
Low output
Can be outworked by high‑volume fighters
Sometimes starts slow
HEAD‑TO‑HEAD MATCHUP BREAKDOWN
Power
Li: 9/10
Kurbanov: 7/10 Edge: Li
Speed
Li: 8/10
Kurbanov: 8/10 Edge: Even
Defense
Li: 7/10
Kurbanov: 9/10 Edge: Kurbanov
Ring IQ
Li: 7/10
Kurbanov: 9/10 Edge: Kurbanov
Durability
Li: 9/10
Kurbanov: 8/10 Edge: Li
Momentum
Li: Rising
Kurbanov: Rebounding Edge: Li
CAREER TRAJECTORIES
Tonghui Li
Undefeated
Has not yet faced a former world champion
This is his biggest step up
A win puts him into top‑10 world ranking
Magomed Kurbanov
Has fought elite names
A win puts him back into title eliminator position
A loss signals a potential decline
FIGHT ODDS
Tonghui Li + 700
Magomed Kurbanov – 1250
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 8, 2026
