STWF Sports | Dec. 16, 2025 – The IBA World Championship lightweight final descended into complete turmoil over the weekend as Russia’s Vsevolod Shumkov controversially defeated reigning Olympic champion Abdumalik Khalokov — and did so amid allegations of biting inside the ring.

The gold-medal bout, staged Saturday in Dubai, pitted two of the division’s elite talents against one another. Khalokov, who entered as the sizeable favorite after winning world championship gold earlier this year in Liverpool, appeared to be in full control for the first two rounds. His superior footwork, counters, and ring generalship seemed enough to put the fight out of reach heading into the final frame.

But Shumkov surged late, upping his pressure in the third round as Khalokov momentarily slowed. Even so, most observers felt the Uzbek star had secured the first two sessions clearly. That’s what made the post-fight announcement all the more shocking: after a bout review, Shumkov was awarded the gold via a razor-thin 4–3 margin.

A Bite Straight Out of Boxing Infamy

As controversial as the scoring was, it wasn’t the most inflammatory moment of the night.

With 55 seconds left in the final round, the fighters became entangled along the ropes. As Khalokov attempted to pivot and break free, Shumkov leaned in and, in an astonishing breach of sportsmanship, bit down on his opponent’s left ear. The foul immediately drew comparisons to Mike Tyson’s infamous bite on Evander Holyfield in June 1997.

Shockingly, the referee did not see the bite and therefore issued no penalty. No point deduction, no warning — nothing. Khalokov displayed only a muted reaction in the moment, continuing the action without protest, but the damage was more apparent afterward. He later posted a photo of his reddened ear, though the skin was not visibly broken.

Still, the moment left fans and officials livid.

Public Outrage Erupts Online

The aftermath was immediate and explosive. Millions viewed the video clip within hours, with fans condemning both the bite and the ultimate decision.

• “Dirty Shumkov. Should be disqualified and have lost anyway,” one fan posted.

• “Nasty work,” wrote another.

• “100% should be a disqualification,” said a third.

• “Shumkov deserves a ban,” added another supporter.

One user summed up the viral sentiment bluntly: “Like a prime Mike Tyson.”

Uzbek boxing journalists and federation officials have already begun calling for the result to be overturned, arguing that a foul of this magnitude combined with a disputed score should not stand on a world championship stage.

IBA Silent as Pressure Mounts

As of Monday afternoon, the International Boxing Association (IBA) has not issued an official statement regarding either the scoring or the alleged bite. With calls for review swelling and video evidence circulating worldwide, pressure is mounting for the governing body to take action.

The incident has cast a shadow over what was expected to be one of the showcase finals of the tournament. Instead, it has reignited long-standing concerns about officiating standards, accountability, and fighter safety at major amateur boxing events.

For now, Shumkov walks away with a world title and a firestorm surrounding his victory. Khalokov leaves with a loss, a bruised ear, and a growing chorus demanding justice.

The IBA may soon be forced to step in — because this lightweight final is far from over.