Light heavyweight Mobin Kahraze wins at the 17th Bounce Fight Night – and now sets his sights on the vacant WBF world title.
The 17th Bounce Fight Night at the Hotel “Intercontinental Wien” delivered everything that boxing is all about: strong fights, emotional performances and a double challenge at the end that made the whole of boxing Austria sit up and take notice.
Strong amateur newcomers
The evening initially belonged to the amateur newcomers. Karlo Kostic, Iegor Golovin, Samuel Luchs and Abdelrahman Hassan Imara fought tough battles in the Olympic division against a strong Bulgarian team. World Championship bronze medalist Michael Fares Derouiche and Youth World Cup silver medalist Ivan Bezuhlyi put the finishing touches on the match: both clearly won their fights against the Bulgarians. Austria now has 5 wins from 6 fights.
The picture was similarly clear in the professional category. Returning fighter Nikola Prajo stopped his opponent in round two with a T.K.O. Gogi Knezevic went the full distance and won on points. Djordje Berak forced his opponent to retire after three rounds. Professional newcomer Rafael Nazarian had the quickest evening: he sent his opponent to the mat after just 20 seconds.
Kahraze puts the lid on it
Bounce boxer Mobin Kahraze delivered the crowning finale. The undefeated light heavyweight – 15 fights, 15 wins (11 knockouts) – clearly dominated his opponent and finished in round two by T.K.O. A build-up fight for the next big step.
As soon as the final bell rang, the evening became the stage for the spectacle that the whole of boxing Austria had been waiting for. Mansur Elsaev – known as “The Golden Boy” and the figurehead of LBZ – Leopoldstadt im Blick – entered the ring and officially challenged Kahraze. The goal: the vacant WBF light heavyweight world title. The face-off was electrifying. Two unbeaten Austrians, two claims to the same throne. “A fight that the whole of boxing Austria is waiting for,” said Marcos Nader in the run-up. After this evening, we know that the hype is justified.
Shala challenges Nikolic
But that was not all. There was also an official challenge in the cruiserweight division: Timmy Shala stepped up to the microphone and challenged Bounce boxer and teacher Stefan Nikolic for the FVA Austrian super middleweight championship. Two challenges in one night. Both with the character of a fight announcement that will be remembered.
Both fights will take place as part of the “3X3” on June 5, 2026 at Vienna’s Heumarkt. A new format that will offer boxing and MMA fans top international fights all in one weekend.
Text: Press release / Bounce