Boxing Match Preview: Vadim Musaev (13-0-0, 8 KOs) vs. Thulani Mbenge (22-2-0, 16 KOs)
Undefeated Russian southpaw Vadim Musaev challenges South African powerhouse Thulani “Tulani” Mbenge for the IBO World Welterweight Title in a 12-round main card showdown on Friday, December 12, 2025. This high-stakes defense headlines the IBA Pro 13 “Night of Champions” card, co-promoted by the International Boxing Association, with Kubrat Pulev defending his WBA (Regular) heavyweight strap against Murat Gassiev atop the bill. Musaev’s technical precision and knockout streak collide with Mbenge’s veteran power and resilience, promising a tactical battle that could elevate the winner into mandatory contention for unified belts. At 147 pounds, expect southpaw angles versus orthodox pressure in a fight blending Eastern European finesse with African grit.
Ringwalk: 10:00 AM ET (3:00 PM GMT / 7:00 PM local UAE time). Main card begins at 12:00 PM ET (5:00 PM GMT), and ring walks for Musaev vs. Mbenge are slated for approximately 2:00 PM ET (7:00 PM local), following the co-main. Weigh-ins saw both hit 146.5 lbs on December 11.
Venue Location:
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Garhoud, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (25°11’37″N 55°19’24″E). This 5,000-seat open-air arena—typically a tennis mecca—hosts elite boxing under desert floodlights, delivering a vibrant, international atmosphere with VIP lounges and skyline views. Proximity to Dubai International Airport (DXB, 10-minute drive) makes it fighter-friendly; accommodations like the Le Méridien Dubai (AED 600/night) offer event shuttles. Tickets via IBA Boxing start at AED 200 (~$55 USD).
Global stream on DAZN PPV ($29.99) and IBA+ app, with ESPN+ simulcast in the U.S.
Injury Report
Both contenders enter fight week in strong shape, with medical clearances confirmed post-weigh-ins on December 11. Musaev, the 32-year-old Dagestani-born technician now training in Hollywood, Florida, reports no issues after a rigorous camp, his last minor setback a precautionary rest following his July hand wrap during Borrego sparring (resolved months ago). Mbenge, 34, disclosed minor shoulder discomfort from an October overload in UK training for McKinson—managed with therapy and not expected to hinder his power output, per his promoter Sean Smith. No withdrawals or PED concerns under IBA protocols; undercard saw one alternate (lightweight) sub due to flu, but headliners unaffected.
Fighter Matchups
A welterweight chess match: undefeated precision vs. seasoned destruction at 147 pounds. Musaev (5’9″, southpaw, reach ~68″) deploys elite footwork, 55% accuracy, and snapping counters, averaging 50 punches/round with a focus on body-head combos to disrupt rhythm. Mbenge (5’11”, orthodox, reach ~70″) counters with explosive hooks, 45% connect rate, and forward pressure (58 punches/round), aiming to close distance and target the body for late wear-down. Musaev will circle and feint early, exploiting his southpaw edge; Mbenge stalks aggressively, using feints to set up power right hands.
Key stylistic edges:
Power: Mbenge’s 73% KO rate (16 in 22) edges Musaev’s 62% (8 in 13), but Musaev’s cleaner shots could accumulate damage.
Volume/Durability: Mbenge’s 138 career rounds dwarf Musaev’s ~65, with a granite chin (no KO losses); Musaev’s efficiency shines in decisions.
Experience: Mbenge’s 24 pro bouts include world-level wars; Musaev’s amateur pedigree (6-0, 3 KOs) and IBA titles add poise.
Intangibles: Neutral Dubai favors Musaev’s IBA ties; Mbenge’s road grit (12-1 away) and title motivation boost the champ.
Recent Form
Vadim Musaev (13-0-0, 8 KOs): The unbeaten contender rides a flawless streak, capped by his July title grab over a durable veteran. His form blends stoppages with masterclasses, showing growth in distance fights.
Thulani Mbenge (22-2-0, 16 KOs): The IBO champ enters on a three-fight tear, rebounding from a 2023 setback with gritty decisions and power displays. Selective scheduling keeps him sharp for big nights.
| Fighter | Last 5 Fights (Most Recent First) | Form Summary |
| Musaev | W-UD10 Jose Miguel Borrego (Jul 2025) W-KO1 Novruz Huseynov (Mar 2025) W-TKO4 Unspecified regional foe (Dec 2024) W-UD8 IBA qualifier (Jun 2024) W-KO2 Domestic opponent (Jan 2024) | 5-0; 3 KOs; Perfect run with title accumulation |
| Mbenge | W-UD12 Michael McKinson (Oct 2024) W-UD10 Leandro Ariel Fonseca (Mar 2024) W-TKO6 Local contender (Nov 2023) L-SD12 Elite European (May 2023) W-KO3 South African title elim (Oct 2022) | 4-1; 2 KOs; Champ resurgence post-close loss |
Fight History
Vadim Musaev (Pro Debut: 2018): A decorated amateur (6-0, 3 KOs; Russian nationals multiple times), Musaev turned pro with surgical dominance, racking 13 wins (8 KOs: 5 TKOs, 3 KOs) across ~65 rounds. Highlights include his IBA Pro Intercontinental conquest via UD over Borrego (experienced 22-4 foe) and a blistering KO1 of Huseynov. No setbacks; 5 decisions underscore control, with a southpaw style honed in Dagestan gyms. He’s 13-0 overall, eyeing unification.
Thulani Mbenge (Pro Debut: May 2015): Eastern Cape’s road warrior built via South African titles (ABU, SA welter), amassing 22 wins (16 KOs: 10 TKOs, 6 KOs) over 138 rounds. Career arc: Early KO spree (12 straight), two world-level losses (both decisions to ranked Euros), then a title-winning UD12 over McKinson for vacant IBO gold. 6 decisions highlight endurance; losses (0 KOs) to top-10s. 12-1 on the road, with grit defining his 24-fight ledger.Musaev’s brevity meets Mbenge’s marathon in a title tilt ripe for drama.
FIGHT ODDS
Vadim Musaev – 180
Thulani Mbenge + 140
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, December 11, 2025
