Who are the WBC Boxing Grand Prix last four super-lightweights left in the tournament
The WBC Grand Prix rolls on this Sunday, October 19, exclusively on DAZN beginning at 11am ET/8am PT, and the lights will shine bright on a super lightweight division that promises to showcase some of the most dynamic bouts of the night.
As a refresher, the Grand Prix tournament is comprised of four divisions: Featherweight, Super Lightweight, Middleweight and Heavyweight. Each one will send two representatives to the final championship matchups slated for the month of December. A format built on heats and finals owes something to motor racing, where points are gathered over a season, and that structure shapes how F1 betting is priced across a campaign.
The winners of the WBC Boxing Grand Prix will receive a cash prize, a mandatory fight for the WBC Silver title in their respective divisions, and the “José Sulaimán” trophy, a unique, custom trophy for this first-of-its-kind tournament.
On Sunday’s card is a clash between undefeated fighters looking to make a stand, while the other side of the draw sees a Colombian wunderkind facing a challenger who aims to prove that the word “underdog” isn’t in his vocabulary.
Here is what the fighters said before traveling to Saudi Arabia to begin the Fight Week festivities:
Danylo Lozan (Ukraine 15-0)
“I’m feeling really good. Mujibillo Tursunov is a good fighter, but I don’t expect anything specific. I’m staying ready and… If I win, I’ll celebrate!
“I feel super motivated to be in the semi-finals; the feeling is unparalleled to anything I’ve felt in my career before. I’m elated.
“I learn every day. That’s how I see it. What did the Grand Prix fights give me? Confidence in myself and the understanding that I’m doing everything right.”
Mujibillo Tursunov (Uzbekistan 8-0)
“First of all, I’m happy to have reached the semifinals. My mood is excellent. Thanks to God, the result (in the quarterfinals) was what we expected. With your prayers, I plan to reach the final as well and win the belts.
“The next fight will be even more exciting than the previous ones. The Ukrainian boxer (Lozan) is confident and experienced.”
“Before the fight, my opponent in the quarterfinals had prepared very well to fight against me, which was one of the hardest aspects for me to overcome inside the ring. He used my own tactics against me, and that’s a lesson I carry into the semifinals.”
Carlos Utria (Colombia 12-0)
“I thank God because I know His will was done. I was just His warrior, and I feel very fortunate to be in the semifinals. I know I represent Colombia very well, and I aim to make my country proud.
“The next fight is a pretty tough one. Nkosi and I are going to put on a show, since we both come forward and aren’t afraid to brawl.
“I dedicate my victories to God, to all my people from Soplaviento, Colombia, who are supporting me, who got up at 2 a.m. to watch my fights and cheer me on like when the Colombian national team plays in the World Cup. I carry them in my heart, and they know they are very well represented.”
Ntethelelo Nkosi (South Africa 10-2)
“I’m feeling great, I’m good, I’m very excited… (Carlos Utria) is going to be a strong fighter and a tough opponent; I won’t predict anything. However, I’m going to work very hard so I can win the fight. I’m going to the final.
“I dedicate my win (in the quarterfinals) to my daughter, my family, and everyone who supports me, especially in South Africa and also all over the world.”