Boxing Match Preview: Mujibillo Tursunov (9-0-0, 2 KOs) vs. Carlos Utria (13-0-0, 11 KOs)
The 2025 boxing calendar features a high-stakes super lightweight showdown in the finals of the Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix, where undefeated Uzbek prospect Mujibillo “The Uzbek Tiger” Tursunov faces hard-hitting Colombian contender Carlos “El Explosivo” Utria. Tursunov, known for his technical boxing, durable chin, and strategic pacing, enters as the underdog but with a perfect record built on decision wins against solid opposition. Utria, a knockout artist with explosive power and aggressive pressure, aims to overwhelm the more measured Tursunov early. Promoted by the World Boxing Council (WBC) in collaboration with Riyadh Season, this 12-round bout is a clash of styles: Tursunov’s precision and endurance against Utria’s volume punching and finishing ability. As the culmination of a multi-stage tournament, a win could catapult the victor toward a world title shot in 2026, while the loser faces a potential setback in their unbeaten runs.
Venue Location
The fight will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This state-of-the-art, multi-purpose venue, with a seating capacity of up to 26,000, has hosted major boxing events since 2023, including high-profile Riyadh Season cards. Known for its luxurious setup, advanced lighting, and neutral atmosphere for international fighters, it provides a grand stage free from home-country bias, though the Saudi crowd often favors underdogs and dramatic finishes.
Ring walks for the main event are expected around 9:00 AM ET (2:00 PM GMT local time), with the undercard starting earlier in the morning. The bout will be broadcast live on WBC’s official platforms and available for international streaming on services like DAZN or ESPN+ in select regions, with free-to-air options in Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Injury Report
No major injuries have been reported for either fighter leading into the finals. Mujibillo Tursunov, 26, enters fully healthy after navigating four grueling tournament stages without visible setbacks, with his camp emphasizing recovery and tactical preparation. Carlos Utria, 22, has overcome a minor undisclosed issue from his semifinal win but is cleared for action, though his aggressive style raises concerns about durability if the fight extends. Both teams have confirmed peak condition, with no last-minute withdrawals expected, allowing for a full-strength showdown.
Fighter Matchups
This super lightweight (140 lbs) bout contrasts Tursunov’s technical, counterpunching style with Utria’s aggressive, power-oriented approach. Tursunov, an orthodox fighter with slick footwork and a sharp jab, favors mid-range exchanges and body work to wear down opponents, boasting a 22% KO rate focused on decisions. Utria, also orthodox, relies on volume punching, hooks, and uppercuts to overwhelm, with an 85% KO rate highlighting his finishing power.Key stylistic contrasts:
Power vs. Precision: Utria’s 11 KOs in 13 wins could test Tursunov’s chin (never stopped), but Tursunov’s accuracy and defense may frustrate Utria’s forward pressure.
Reach and Stance: Tursunov’s longer reach (170 cm vs. Utria’s 166 cm) allows distance control, while Utria’s compactness favors infighting.
Endurance: Tursunov has gone the distance in 7 fights, showing stamina in his unanimous decision wins, while Utria’s early KOs (average 3.5 rounds) suggest untested waters if pushed late, though his first-round stoppage in the semifinals shows explosiveness.
Recent Form
Mujibillo Tursunov (9-0-0, 2 KOs) is in peak form, riding a 9-fight win streak since his pro debut in 2022. His recent highlights include a unanimous decision over Dilshat Nurym in June 2025, a points win over Yangcheng Jin in November 2025, and a majority decision over Danylo Lozan in the tournament semifinals. Form rating: 9/10, with improved decision-making and pacing evident in longer bouts.
Carlos Utria (13-0-0, 11 KOs) is also unbeaten, with a 13-fight win streak since 2021. Recent form includes a first-round TKO over Ntethelelo Nkosi in October 2025, a technical knockout in the tournament semifinals against Alan Crenz in July 2025, and a KO in his quarterfinal. Form rating: 9/10, showcasing devastating power but against less tested opposition.
Fight History
This is the first professional meeting between Tursunov and Utria, adding an element of unpredictability to the finals. No prior head-to-head history exists, but both have advanced through the WBC Grand Prix with impressive performances: Tursunov via decisions against experienced foes like Danylo Lozan and Lausanne, showcasing durability, while Utria dominated with early stoppages against Alan Crenz and Ntethelelo Nkosi, highlighting his power. The lack of shared opponents makes this a true test of styles in the tournament’s climax.
Betting Trends
Super lightweight tournament finals often favor the knockout artist (60% win rate in 2025 WBC events), but underdogs like Tursunov cover the spread 45% when priced +150 or higher. Unders have hit in 70% of Utria’s fights (early KOs), while Tursunov’s bouts trend over (6 of 9 over 6.5 rounds due to decisions). Recent trends: Favorites in Saudi-hosted fights are 8-2 ATS in 2025, with unders at 65% in finals due to cautious styles. Boxing-wide for December 2025, unders are at 58% in fights with high KO differentials like this.
FIGHT ODDS
Mujibillo Tursunov + 155
Carlos Utria – 210
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 19, 2025
