Thulani Mbenge previews IBO world welterweight title defence to Vadim Musaev on December 12

December 12: Thulani Mbenge vs Vadim Musaev

South African star Thulani Mbenge (22-2, 16 KOs) defends his IBO world welterweight title to Russian powerhouse Vadim Musaev (13-0, 8 KOs) on Friday, December 12, 2025, in Dubai.

The welterweights will clash on the undercard of the Kubrat Pulev vs Murat Gassiev WBA Regular world heavyweight title fight, which headlines the stacked IBA Pro 13 event.

Despite a late change of opponent, South African boxing champion Thulani Mbenge will be more than ready for his first defence of his IBO belt  that he won against Brit boxer Michael McKinson last year, with scores of 117-111, 116-112 twice.

34-year-old Mbenge was originally meant to take on a different opponent in Puerto Rico, but will now go up against Russia’s unbeaten rising star Vadim Musaev.

It means Mbenge has been forced to quickly adapt his approach, he explained, “Each fighter requires a unique approach, so adapting has been key. This camp has pushed me mentally more than anything else,” Mbenge said.

Taking on the Russian southpaw is a challenge Mbenge is relishing, “I’m used to opportunities like this. Boxing is a thinking man’s sport. If your mind isn’t right, your body won’t follow.

“This fight will be tactical. My team and I have worked on refining every detail. Experience has made me a smarter fighter.”

Defending such a prestigious title will not bring extra pressure for Mbenge, he explained, “I don’t dwell on the title. I focus on the next challenge. Hard work keeps the hunger alive.

“Discipline outside the ring is everything. If you lack it, it will show inside the ring.

“I don’t believe in shortcuts. Winning a title is never easy, and keeping it is just as challenging. It takes hard work, hunger, and relentless grit.”

Who is Vadim Musaev?

Vadim Sharafidinovich Musaev was born 3rd January 1993 in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia.

As an amateur, he won a silver medal at the 2021 World Championships and gold at the Strandzha Cup in Sofia in February 2022.

Since turning pro in 2022, he has been training in Hollywood, Florida, U.S.

Musaev debuted on 26th November 2016 in Pyatigorsk, Russia, winning a unanimous decision against Kantemir Kalazhokov. After picking up three more wins in Russia he moved to America to further pursue a professional boxing career.

In his last fight, in July 2025, Vadim won the IBA Pro Intercontinental welterweight title with a 97-93 x3 points win over Jose Manuel Borrego.

In his 12th pro fight, he won in just 24 seconds, making it one of the fastest knockouts in boxing history.

The 32-year-old southpaw is 5ft 11in tall.