At the AIBA Men's World Boxing Championships, Indian newcomer Akash Kumar earned a bronze medal. His strong run in the tournament ended during the semifinals against Makhmud Sabyrkhan. Sabyrkhan proved too strong, utilizing a dominant boxing style that left Akash overwhelmed. In the 54 kg category, the relentless pressure from the Kazakh boxer led to a decisive 0-5 defeat for Akash.
Indian boxer Akash Kumar finished with a bronze medal at the AIBA men’s World Boxing Championships. Akash Kumar completed his sensational run with a loss to Makhmud Sabyrkhan in the semi-finals. Makhmud Sabyrkhan spoiled Akash Kumar’s applecart by upsetting him with dominant boxing. Debutant Akash Kumar had no answers to Sabyrkhan’s relentless attack and lost the bout 0-5 in the 54 kg category.
By securing this medal, Akash Kumar has made history as the seventh Indian man to reach the podium at one of the world's most significant boxing tournaments. He also walked away with a $25,000 cash prize. With this victory, he enters the prestigious ranks of Indian boxing legends, including silver medalist Amit Panghal (2019) and bronze winners Manish Kaushik (2019), Gaurav Bidhuri (2017), Shiva Thapa (2015), Vikas Krishan (2011), and Vijender Singh (2009).
The 21-year-old Indian fighter came out strong, but Sabyrkhan read his movements almost immediately. The Kazakh teenager relied on precise right crosses to stifle Akash's early aggression. Sabyrkhan's raw power proved to be the deciding factor; while both men were active in exchanging punches, the Kazakh fighter maintained a level of discipline and control that Akash couldn't match.
The match began with high intensity, as Akash pushed forward and both fighters landed heavy shots in the opening round. However, the 19-year-old Sabyrkhan appeared more comfortable, using a steady stream of punches to keep Akash on the defensive. By the end of the first round, the Kazakh national champion had secured a unanimous lead.
Akash stepped up his game in the second round, attempting to regain control by utilizing his jabs to disrupt Sabyrkhan's rhythm. He displayed some impressive technical skill and fought hard to turn the tide, but he simply couldn't find a way to outscore his opponent.
Despite giving his absolute best, Akash was unable to keep pace with Sabyrkhan's superior speed and precision. The Kazakh boxer remained unfazed by Akash's occasional strikes, continuing to land accurate blows of his own. Sabyrkhan was clinical, capitalizing on every counter-attacking opportunity. He maintained this momentum through the final round to seal his victory.
Even with the semifinal loss, Akash Kumar's performance on the senior international stage was outstanding. A highlight of his tournament was the quarterfinal, where he pulled off a stunning upset against Venezuela's Yoel Finol Rivas, a former Olympic silver medalist. While five Indians reached the quarterfinals, Akash was the only one to advance, as others—including Shiva Thapa (63 kg) and Asian champion Sanjeet (92 kg)—were eliminated.