2023—PRESENT
Borislav Velev returns
After more than two years away, Roy stopped Dimitri Trenel in round three at MaxFight 66 in Burgas.
HISTORY · 2026—2008
A story built fight by fight.
From our first professional fight in 2008 to world title campaigns with Yosif Panov and Vladimir Georgiev. Explore the story through our archive, photographs, videos and verified fight records.
HOW IT BEGAN
Putting the fighter first.
At 21, Vasko Alexeev ended his competitive career after more than 100 amateur bouts, three youth world championships, two European championships and national titles. With the support of his father and coach Alexey Vasilev, he began looking for opportunities for Bulgarian boxers in the professional sport.
“Trust is not earned through promises. It is earned through transparency and work over time.”
ALEXEEV BOXING × MAX FIGHT
A partnership that carries the work in the gym onto the big stage.
A defining part of Alexeev Boxing’s modern story has been written in the MAX FIGHT ring. These events have given our fighters a stage for major professional bouts, international opposition and championship campaigns — including the world-title victories of Yosif Panov and Vladimir Georgiev.
Our thanks go to MAX FIGHT president Lyuben Dzhubrilov and his entire team for their trust, close collaboration and continued support for Bulgarian fighters.
Official MAX FIGHT website Videos and photographs credited to MAX FIGHT come from the organisation’s events and official channels. Watermarks and creator credits remain intact.SHORT TIMELINE
Key dates
2023—PRESENT
Vladimir Georgiev returns
After nearly a year out through injury, The Bulgarian Bull defeated Mykola Vovk by unanimous decision over six rounds at MaxFight 66 in Burgas.
2023—PRESENT
Mario Vergiev at Zuffa Boxing 7
Mario Vergiev faced Leon Hughes in Bournemouth and was stopped by third-round technical knockout. The team archive describes the appearance as the first Bulgarian one in the organisation.
2023—PRESENT
Vladimir Georgiev becomes world champion
The Bulgarian Bull won the UBO world title and was subsequently named the organisation’s 2025 New Champion of the Year.
2023—PRESENT
Vladimir Georgiev challenges for two international titles
The Bulgarian Bull challenged for the IBF European and WBO Global belts in England.
2023—PRESENT
International recognition for the season
UBO named Yosif Panov its 2023 Boxer of the Year and MaxFight 56 — the night of his world-title victory — its 2023 Event of the Year.
2023—PRESENT
Yosif Panov’s world title
After twelve rounds against Sandy Messaoud, The Viper won the UBO world belt by unanimous decision.
2023—PRESENT
Two champions in one night
Vladimir Georgiev won the Bulgarian title, while Borislav Velev claimed the MaxFight championship belt.
2023—PRESENT
Yosif Panov — UBO International champion
A unanimous-decision victory over Victoriano Santillan and the UBO International belt — the direct championship step toward the world title.
2019—2022
Two away draws for Angel Emilov
In London he earned draws with Dean Richardson and John Harding Jr. Two more away draws followed in 2023 and 2024.
2019—2022
Professional boxing grows within MaxFight
Petar Draganov won his professional debut and Vladimir Georgiev defeated Angel Emilov as boxing became a regular part of the programme.
2019—2022
Angel Emilov faces unbeaten opponents
Emilov faced Brad Pauls in Plymouth and CJ Challenger in Manchester. Both bouts were official losses; his opponents entered with records of 14–0 and 11–0 respectively.
2019—2022
An international boutique event at Golden Sands
Yosif Panov won the vacant Bulgarian title for a second time after ten rounds against Angel Emilov.
2019—2022
Alexeev Promotions in the official event register
The seven professional bouts at Lonsdale Hall provide the period’s strongest independent marker: Alexeev Promotions is listed as promoter and Vasko as matchmaker.
2019—2022
‘The Spirit of Bulgaria’ — a verified matchmaker credit
At Plovdiv’s Ancient Theatre, Vasko is listed as matchmaker for the card on which Yosif Panov won by sixth-round TKO and Borislav Velev by first-round TKO.
2019—2022
Ivanka Ivanova becomes champion
The Lioness won a close split decision and entered the history of Bulgarian women’s professional boxing.
2019—2022
Iliyan Markov’s domestic derbies
Markov defeated Borislav Zankov in Sofia and Angel Emilov in Gorna Oryahovitsa.
2019—2022
Stefan Sashev scores a first-round knockout
At York Hall, Sashev stopped unbeaten Brandon Ball in the opening round.
2013—2018
Joko’s third away victory
Radoslav Mitev defeated unbeaten Martin Wall in Dublin and dropped him with a left hook.
2013—2018
Yosif Panov’s first title
On the Kubrat Pulev–Hughie Fury card, Panov won the Bulgarian title against Stiliyan Kostov.
2013—2018
A second English success for Zoro the Hook
At York Hall, Georgi Georgiev stopped unbeaten Prince Brady — his second away stoppage in the same London venue.
2013—2018
A verified promoter and matchmaker credit
For ‘Gloves Against Aggression’ in Gorna Oryahovitsa, the register credits Vasko as promoter and matchmaker, while the photo archive preserves the event bout by bout.
2013—2018
A major-event return
With the support of Lokomotiv Gorna Oryahovitsa, Alexeev Boxing returned with a large and widely covered event.
2013—2018
A second English victory for Angel Emilov
At Wembley Arena, he outpointed unbeaten Daniel Keenan.
2013—2018
Away stoppages: Zheko Zhekov and Hristo Yonev
Zhekov knocked out Lee Carter in round one in Manchester, while Yonev earned a first-round technical knockout over Sam Barron in London.
2013—2018
Ivaylo Boyanov’s second away victory
In Glasgow, Boyanov knocked out Shaun Dick after dropping him twice. Earlier that year, on 9 April, he was the opponent for Conor Benn’s professional debut at The O2.
2013—2018
Two Bulgarian victories at York Hall
Georgi Georgiev knocked out Sam Cantwell in round two, and one week later Ivaylo Boyanov outpointed unbeaten Andrew Joicey.
2013—2018
Angel Emilov defeats an unbeaten Englishman
In Slough, Angel Emilov stopped Thomas Jarvis. The win predates his work with Alexeev Boxing, which began in 2016, and forms part of his individual career.
2013—2018
Yosif Panov’s debut
The beginning of a career guided fight by fight to national, international and world titles.
2013—2018
Two hard-earned victories in Scotland
Radoslav Mitev defeated Eddie Doyle in Motherwell, and Borislav Zankov stopped Kenny Davidson in round four in Cleland.
2013—2018
Pacho the Machine halts David Allen’s run
Plamen Nedyalkov held unbeaten David Allen to a draw at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena.
2013—2018
Galina Koleva Ivanova challenges for the world title
The first of several major title challenges — for the IBF world championship in Mexico.
2013—2018
Yordan Vasilev wins in Britain
A technical knockout over Floyd Moore. Later that year, Vasilev challenged Darren Traynor for the vacant International Masters title.
2013—2018
Ribchev against international names
Challenges for the WBC Baltic, Polish International and IBO Intercontinental titles, plus a bout with Chris Eubank Jr. that ended by third-round TKO.
2008—2012
A TKO victory in Malta
Valentin Stoychev defeated Christian Vella by technical knockout. ‘International Malta Champion’ is the designation preserved in the team archive.
2008—2012
The big stage in Sofia
At Sofia’s Winter Palace, Alexey Ribchev turned around a dramatic 12-round fight to win the UBO Intercontinental title.
2008—2012
Dragomir Totev challenges for WBC CISBB
Drago Totev of Gabrovo faced Milan Piperski in Zajecar for the vacant super-welterweight title and was stopped in round five.
2008—2012
International recognition for the management work
UBO named Vasko Alexeev — listed as Vasko Vasilev — its 2011 Manager of the Year and a year later included him among the honourable mentions for 2012.
2008—2012
Two events within eight days
On 10 September Ribchev defended his title against Ruben Silva Diaz in Ruse. Eight days later Stiliyan Kostov won the Bulgarian title in Razgrad.
2008—2012
Joko’s first away victory
Radoslav Mitev outpointed Michael Harvey in Belfast and dropped him in round three.
2008—2012
Dillian Whyte debuts against Tayar Mehmed
In Gillingham, Tayar was the opponent for the future world contender’s professional debut. Bouts with many other leading names followed.
2008—2012
Alexey Ribchev’s first international title
Ribchev won the UBO International belt and began a run of championship fights.
2008—2012
A Ruse night with two championship landmarks
The team archive records championship wins by Alexey Ribchev and Asan Yuseinov; the bout results are verified, while the national-belt status remains an archive designation.
2008—2012
The first title on a major Ruse card
Mitko Hristov came from behind to stop Zdravko Nikolov in round seven, while Alexey Ribchev made his professional debut.
2008—2012
Asan Yuseinov’s Swiss results and Bulgarian title
The Chinese drew with Frederic Alix in Martigny, stopped Serkan Toptas in St Gallen and became Bulgarian champion in Ruse.
2008—2012
The first fight abroad
Merdjidin Yuseinov faced Blas Miguel Martinez in Basel — the first international step and the beginning of a network built from zero.
2008—2012
The first independent event
An event in Ruse gave aspiring boxers a stage to record their first professional bouts and a path forward.
2008—2012
The first arranged professional fight
Merdjidin Yuseinov vs Spas Genov — the first official professional fight arranged by Vasko Alexeev.
THE COMPLETE STORY
The stories behind the milestones.
Eight chapters preserving the detail of the original account, beginning with the present and moving back through time.
2026—PRESENT
A living history — new chapters
The story does not end with one belt. In 2026 the team organised a new event, entered a new international organisation and brought one of its most recognisable fighters back to the ring. Alongside the headline nights stand hundreds of people whose debut, journey or single important bout is part of the same path.
INTERNAL TOTALS · AS OF AUGUST 2026
More than the headlines
According to Alexeev Boxing’s current internal totals as of August 2026, the work spans more than 1,200 appearances in professional boxing bouts, 81+ events as official matchmaker and 60+ organised events. These are owner-declared operational totals that will be converted into an audited public register, event by event. Careers and debuts Vasko has supported include Yosif Panov, Grigor Sarukhanian, Petar Draganov, Zdravko Popov, Alexey Ribchev, Tinko Banabakov, Yasen Radev, Kiril Borisov, Dimitar Dimitrov, Mario Vergiev, Milen Paunov, Merdjidin Yuseinov, Konstantin Aleksandrov, Georgi Velichkov and many others.
Roy returns
After a serious injury and 784 days out of the ring, Borislav Velev returned at MaxFight 66 in Burgas and stopped France’s Dimitri Trenel in round three. Behind the return were a long rehabilitation, coach Vladislav Georgiev, Levski Boxing Club and the shared belief that the journey continues.
The Bulgarian Bull returns to the ring
On the same MaxFight 66 card, Vladimir Georgiev returned after nearly a year out through injury. In front of the Burgas crowd he won all six rounds against Mykola Vovk, with all three judges scoring it 60–54.
OFFICIAL RESULT + ARCHIVE CONTEXT
Mario Vergiev at Zuffa Boxing 7
Mario ‘The Gladiator’ Vergiev faced Leon Hughes at Zuffa Boxing 7 in Bournemouth and was stopped by third-round TKO. The Alexeev Boxing archive describes it as the first Bulgarian appearance in the organisation; that is the team’s editorial context, while the opponent and official result were verified separately.
International Boxing Pleven
At Balkanstroy Hall, Alexeev Boxing organised a home event for Yosif Panov. He stopped Joniker Tovar in round one. The card also featured Gyurses Slavchev against Georgi Velichkov and Denislav Ivanov against Slaveya Stefanov. Vasko served as matchmaker, with the event organised around Vasko and Yosif.
2024—2025
Against major names and toward another world belt
After Panov’s world title, the ambition did not ease. Vladimir Georgiev received a double international opportunity in England and became UBO world champion fifteen months later. Panov proved his level against a former world champion and continued toward the European stage.
Panov challenges for EBU Silver
In Humanes de Madrid, Panov completed twelve rounds against Aaron Alhambra for the vacant EBU Silver belt. The result does not diminish the value of more than a decade at professional level.
OFFICIAL RESULT · UBO
Vladimir Georgiev — UBO world champion
At MaxFight 62 in Sveti Vlas, Vladimir Georgiev defeats Ronny Alexander Landaeta and wins the UBO world super middleweight title. The belt is a new major peak for The Bulgarian Bull and the team’s shared history; UBO later also names him its New Champion of the Year for 2025.
Borislav Ivanov wins the Gorna Oryahovitsa main event
Borislav Ivanov ‘The Egg’ defeated Ionut Trandafir, who retired after round one at Pro Fight 28. Alexeev Boxing’s involvement in this event was limited specifically and exclusively to this bout.
Panov defeats Miguel Vázquez
At MaxFight 59 in Sveti Vlas, Yosif Panov forced former IBF world champion Miguel Vázquez to retire after round three. It ranks among his strongest non-title results.
IBF European and WBO Global in England
Vladimir Georgiev faced Shakiel Thompson in Rotherham in a bout for two international titles. The result was not a victory, but the opportunity placed The Bulgarian Bull on a higher stage and prepared his next title challenge.
2023
The year of championship breakthroughs
In 2023, different careers reached major peaks within the same system — planning, timing, the right opponent and years of consistency. It was the year Panov’s international title became a world title, while Georgiev and Velev won important Bulgarian belts.
UBO ANNUAL AWARDS
Two international awards for a championship year
In its annual awards published on 2 January 2024, UBO named Yosif Panov its 2023 Boxer of the Year and MaxFight 56 — the event where he won the world belt — its 2023 Event of the Year. The awards recognise not only the result in the ring but the work behind the full championship campaign.
OFFICIAL RESULT · UBO
Yosif Panov’s world title
Panov beat Sandy Messaoud by unanimous decision over twelve rounds at MaxFight 56 to win the UBO world title. Nine years after his professional debut, he had reached the highest title awarded by that organisation.
Two champions in one night
Vladimir Georgiev defeated Zdravko Popov on points to become Bulgarian champion. Borislav Velev stopped Grigor Sarukhanian to win the MaxFight championship belt. Krasimir Ininski, Lyuben Dzhubrilov, coach Vladislav Georgiev and the wider team are preserved in the photographs.
Yosif Panov — UBO International
At MaxFight 53, Panov defeated Victoriano Santillan by unanimous decision to win the vacant UBO International welterweight title. It was the direct championship step toward the world belt.
2021—2022
Partnerships, debuts and a global network
The work now moved in two parallel directions: regular matchmaking for major Bulgarian cards and the individual development of boxers. During this period Vladimir Georgiev joined the story, new names debuted and the team stepped into the global boxing community.
The WBC Convention in Acapulco
Vasko represented the team’s international work and built relationships among leading figures in professional boxing. The archive preserves meetings with Roberto Duran, Nonito Donaire, Shawn Porter, Riddick Bowe and other world names — evidence of a network, not a claim of formal partnership.
CURRENT OFFICIAL RESULT: NO CONTEST
Borislav Velev’s night in Tirana
In Tirana, Borislav Velev was initially announced as the winner over Amarildo Vraja and was presented with the WBC Youth Intercontinental belt. The archive preserves the night and the team — Evgeni Vasilev, Vasko Alexeev, coach Vladislav Georgiev, Vladimir Georgiev and Roy. The result was later changed: the current official record is No Contest, so the site does not count the bout as a win or title victory.
A new debut and another MaxFight victory
Petar Draganov defeated experienced Radoslav Mitev in his professional debut. Vladimir Georgiev beat Angel Emilov over six rounds. It was one of the busiest periods, with work on hundreds of bouts in Bulgaria and abroad each year.
Vladimir Georgiev returns from England
Vladimir ‘The Bulgarian Bull’ Georgiev signed with the team after returning from England. His path began on the Bulgarian scene and would pass through an international title challenge to the UBO world belt.
An international boutique event at Golden Sands
In partnership with ProBox Promotions and Hotel & Casino International, an international event was staged. Yosif Panov won the vacant Bulgarian title for a second time after ten rounds against Angel Emilov, while future world-level contender Leonardo Mosquea made his professional debut.
OFFICIAL EVENT REGISTER
Alexeev Promotions at Lonsdale Hall
Seven professional bouts in Sofia and the strongest independent marker of the period’s organisational work: the register credits Alexeev Promotions and Vasko Alexeev as matchmaker. Borislav Zankov won the main event against Ivan Nikolov.
EVENT REGISTER + PROFESSIONAL PHOTO ARCHIVE
Nine bouts at CSKA Hall
Epic Sports staged nine professional bouts with Vasko credited as matchmaker. Bout-specific folders and a professional photo series allow the evening to be reconstructed person by person, including Ivanka Ivanova’s draw with Snezana Siljkovic.
2018—2020
A return, new faces and MaxFight
After a gap between major self-produced events, Alexeev Boxing returned with widely covered shows, new champions and a lasting relationship with Bulgaria’s best-known combat-sports platform. The story was now being written by more clubs, coaches and generations of fighters.
OFFICIAL EVENT REGISTER + ARCHIVE
‘The Spirit of Bulgaria’ and a verified matchmaker credit
At Plovdiv’s Ancient Theatre, Vasko is credited as matchmaker. Yosif Panov stopped Moussa Gary in round six and Borislav Velev stopped Jasmin Dananovic in round one. The date is 3 October, despite a later archive-folder label reading ‘05.10’.
PRIVATE OPERATIONS ARCHIVE
Operational work on the major Plovdiv card
Ten professional bouts on the Pulev–Webster card at Kolodruma. Contracts, flights, medical records and the bout sheet in the private archive demonstrate the scale of the operational work; those sensitive documents remain outside the public website.
Ivanka Ivanova — Bulgarian champion
Ivanka ‘The Lioness’ Ivanova defeated Pamela Treand by split decision in Veliko Tarnovo. The close bout placed her among the few women to hold a Bulgarian professional title and opened a path to an EBU challenge in 2020 and a Belgian international title challenge in 2022.
Borislav Velev joins the team
After making his professional debut abroad, Borislav ‘Roy’ Velev began working with Vasko Alexeev. Together with coach Vladislav Georgiev, the team developed his recognisable aggressive style and knockout run.
Pulev–Fury and Panov’s first title
Vasko worked as matchmaker on the Kubrat Pulev–Hughie Fury card. Yosif Panov defeated Stiliyan Kostov on points to win his first Bulgarian title.
REGISTRY + PHOTO ARCHIVE
‘Gloves Against Aggression’ outdoors
A second, separate Gorna Oryahovitsa card turned boxing into a public outdoor event. The event and Vasko’s promoter and matchmaker credits can be traced through both the event register and a dedicated photo album.
‘Boxing Clash’ in Gorna Oryahovitsa
With the support of Lokomotiv Gorna Oryahovitsa, a major professional event was staged. Ivan Ivanov ‘The Wild’, Zahari Mutafchiev and the local club are among the people preserved in the extensive photo archive.
2013—2017
International campaigns and a new generation
Experience gained through the team’s own events opened larger international stages. Some nights brought belts; others brought hard losses and invaluable contacts. At the same time, the career of a boxer whose path would reach a world title was beginning.
The beginning of Yosif Panov
Yosif Panov ‘The Viper’ made his professional debut. From that day, his career was planned fight by fight — from early bouts and the Bulgarian title to UBO International, the world belt, victory over Miguel Vázquez and the later EBU Silver challenge.
Galina Ivanova challenges for the IBF world title
Galina Koleva Ivanova represented the team in Mexico in an IBF world-title bout. She later challenged for the EBU European title in Italy on 23 May 2014 and the IBO world title in Switzerland on 5 November 2016.
OFFICIAL RESULTS + FACEBOOK ARCHIVE
Away wins and draws earned far from home
Plamen Nikolov Nedyalkov ‘Pacho the Machine’ drew with unbeaten David Allen in Newcastle. Radoslav Mitev beat Eddie Doyle on 6 June 2014 in Motherwell, Borislav Zankov stopped Kenny Davidson in Scotland, and Angel Emilov defeated Thomas Jarvis in Slough in 2015, before his work with Alexeev Boxing began in 2016. Ivaylo Boyanov won in London and Glasgow, Georgi ‘Joro the Hook’ Georgiev recorded two York Hall stoppages, Zheko Zhekov knocked out Lee Carter in Manchester and Hristo Yonev earned a TKO in London.
CORRECTED TO THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Ribchev against international names
Alexey Ribchev challenged for the WBC Baltic title in Saint Petersburg and an international title in Poland, faced future star Chris Eubank Jr. on 14 September and ended the year in an IBO Inter-Continental bout in England. The official Eubank result is a third-round TKO at 1:45, not eight completed rounds — an important correction to the early archive account.
CORRECTED TO THE OFFICIAL RECORD
An away victory for Yordan Vasilev
Yordan Vasilev ‘The Bug’ defeated Floyd Moore by technical knockout in Britain. The current record confirms the victory but not an International Masters title win; in November that year Vasilev challenged Darren Traynor for the vacant title in Aberdeen.
2009—2012
Building a stage and winning the first titles
The early attempts were followed by years of building from the ground up: halls, ring, lighting, tickets, medical paperwork, security, travel, television content and fights. Vasko and Alexey were not only taking boxers to bouts — they were creating the places where those boxers could be seen.
OFFICIAL RESULT + ARCHIVE DESIGNATION
Valentin Stoychev wins in Malta
Valentin Stoychev defeated Christian Vella by technical knockout in Malta. ‘International Malta Champion’ is the designation preserved in the team archive; the official result confirms the victory but does not provide enough information to independently verify that belt status.
The Winter Palace and UBO Inter-Continental
The most ambitious project to that point brought professional and national-team stars together in Sofia. After early knockdowns, Alexey Ribchev turned around a hard twelve-round bout against Andino to win the UBO Inter-Continental title. The card featured Galina Koleva Ivanova, Spas Genov, Tervel Pulev, Aleksandar Aleksandrov, Detelin Dalakliev and other national-team boxers. The sporting and television result was strong; the business result was difficult.
OFFICIAL RESULT + PHOTO ARCHIVE
Dragomir Totev in a WBC CISBB bout
Dragomir ‘Drago’ Totev of Gabrovo challenged Milan Piperski in Zajecar, Serbia, for the vacant WBC CISBB super-welterweight title. Totev was stopped in round five of the title bout. A dedicated archive album preserves 35 photographs from the event.
UBO ARCHIVE
International recognition for the management work
The Universal Boxing Organization named Vasko Alexeev — listed in the register as Vasko Vasilev — its 2011 Manager of the Year. The following year it also gave him an honourable mention among managers for 2012. The recognition came during Alexey Ribchev’s championship campaign.
Two events in eight days
On 10 September, Ribchev defended the belt against Ruben Silva Diaz over ten rounds in Ruse. On 18 September in Razgrad, Stiliyan Kostov stopped Yanko Marinov in round three to win the Bulgarian title. Two separate events within eight days showed the team’s growing experience and discipline.
OFFICIAL RESULT · UBO
Ribchev’s first international title
In Ruse, Alexey Ribchev defeated Juris Boreiko to become UBO International champion. This was the title win itself; the September bout was the defence.
RESULT VERIFIED · BELT STATUS FROM ARCHIVE
Two champions and women’s professional boxing
Alexey Ribchev stopped Zahari Mutafchiev after round five and Asan Yuseinov defeated Plamen Kostadinov. The team archive describes the bouts as Bulgarian super-middleweight and lightweight title contests; the available result register confirms the bouts but does not clearly expose the belt status. The card also featured the first women’s professional bout on a team-organised event.
A professional event in Samokov
Following a Bulgaria–Sweden amateur meeting, a card of four professional bouts and additional sparring was organised. It remains part of the growing event and matchmaking record.
The major Ruse event
At Dunav Hall, 19-year-old Mitko Hristov came from behind against Zdravko Nikolov and won the Bulgarian title by seventh-round knockout. Alexey Ribchev made his professional debut, while the card also featured Krasimir Ininski, Kirkor Kirkorov, Kaloyan Kyuchukov, Koko ‘Tyson’, Yordan Vasilev, Merdjidin Yuseinov, Tayar Mehmed and Vladimir Borov. Merdjidin defeated Gheorghe Sandu on points — the two preserved photographs of him in the gallery come from this bout.
OFFICIAL RESULT
Asan Yuseinov earns respect in Switzerland
Asan Yuseinov ‘Kitaetsa’ drew with Frederic Alix in Martigny and a year later defeated Serkan Toptas in St Gallen. The two away results preceded his win over Plamen Kostadinov in Ruse in June 2010.
2007—2008
The idea before the beginning
At 21, Vasko Alexeev ended his competitive career after more than 100 amateur bouts, three youth world championships, two European championships, national titles and national-team camps. His father and coach, Alexey Vasilev, saw another path: Vasko could use his English and boxing contacts to find paid professional opportunities for Bulgarian fighters. That family idea established the principles that remain today — transparency, protecting the boxer’s interest and trust earned through work.
The first bout abroad — Basel
Merdjidin became the first boxer Vasko took abroad. Against unbeaten Blas Miguel Martinez in Basel, he completed six competitive rounds and lost on points. The trip was the first practical lesson in how difficult it is to win away from home and the beginning of an international network built from zero.
The first independent event in Ruse
Vasko and Alexey organised a five-bout professional card so Bulgarian boxers could build official records and reach fights abroad. The card included Merdjidin Yuseinov, Zahari Mutafchiev, Itsko Veselinov, Fikret Remziev, Tzvetelin Stoichev, Georgi Bliznakov, Asan Yuseinov, Trayan Dimitrov, Zdravko Nikolov and Miroslav Chomezov. The event lost money, but created a real stage.
A second early opportunity for The Artist
After the debut, another bout was arranged for Merdjidin — a draw with Veselin Kirilov in Velingrad. Those first steps showed how difficult it was to build a professional record without a local stage.
The first arranged professional fight
Merdjidin Yuseinov ‘The Artist’ accepted a bout with Spas Genov at Universiada Hall in Sofia and made his professional debut. This is the clearest starting date for the public history of Alexeev Boxing. It followed Tsacho Andreykovski’s request for help and Merdjidin’s decision to take the risk.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE DATES
The people who made it possible.
This archive brings together title challengers, away victories, hard-earned draws and personal stories that built Alexeev Boxing fight by fight.
THE ARTIST · THE FIRST
Merdjidin Yuseinov
Merdjidin was the first boxer Vasko Alexeev helped into a professional bout, and the first he took abroad. His willingness to take that chance helped set Alexeev Boxing in motion.
- 17 May 2008 · professional debut against Spas Genov in Sofia
- 6 Dec 2008 · the team’s first international bout — against Blas Miguel Martinez in Basel
- 25 Sep 2009 · points victory over Gheorghe Sandu in Ruse
TITLE CHALLENGER
Dragomir Totev
The bout in Zajecar belongs in the story not because of its result, but because of the risk taken — a Bulgarian boxer away from home in a twelve-round international title fight.
- 7 Apr 2012 · Zajecar, Serbia
- Challenged Milan Piperski for the vacant WBC CISBB super-welterweight title
- Stopped in round five of the title bout
PACHO THE MACHINE
Plamen Nedyalkov
The boxer from Gabrovo travelled to Newcastle and halted the winning run of future British contender David Allen. The official result was a draw, but the performance remains one of the team’s strongest away appearances.
- 29 Mar 2014 · Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle
- Four-round points draw against unbeaten David Allen (5–0)
Borislav Zankov
The victory in Scotland changed the expectations placed on an away fighter — Zankov forced Kenny Davidson to retire after round four.
- 21 Sep 2014 · Cleland, Scotland
- Fourth-round technical-knockout victory over Kenny Davidson
Angel Emilov Petkov
11 wins (7 KOs), 5 draws and 58 losses in professional boxing. Two wins and four draws outside Bulgaria. An Alexeev Boxing roster member with a dedicated page covering his career and two BKFC victories.
Explore Angel Emilov’s career →- 11 wins · 58 losses · 5 draws · 7 knockouts
- 17 Oct 2015 · Slough · TKO over unbeaten Thomas Jarvis
- 14 Oct 2017 · Wembley Arena · points win over unbeaten Daniel Keenan
- 16 Oct 2021 · Plymouth · official loss to the then-unbeaten Brad Pauls
- 26 Mar 2022 · Manchester · official loss to CJ Challenger
- 15 Apr 2022 · York Hall · draw with Dean Richardson
- 5 Nov 2022 · London · draw with John Harding Jr
- 18 Mar 2023 · Liverpool · draw with unbeaten Hakeem Palmer
- 16 Nov 2024 · Morcenx, France · split draw with Noel Lafargue
Ivaylo Boyanov
Away at the legendary York Hall, Boyanov removed the zero from an unbeaten local boxer’s record. One month later he was the opponent for Conor Benn’s professional debut at The O2 — a separate, clearly documented moment in his British career.
- 5 Mar 2016 · York Hall, London
- Points victory over unbeaten Andrew Joicey (3–0)
- 9 Apr 2016 · The O2, London · opponent in Conor Benn’s professional debut
- 26 Nov 2016 · Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
- Knockout victory over Shaun Dick; the home boxer was dropped twice
ZHORO THE CROCHET
Georgi Georgiev
Two stoppage victories away from home at York Hall — results rarely achieved against local fighters and therefore given a special place in the story.
- 27 Feb 2016 · York Hall, London
- Knockout at 2:16 of round two against Sam Cantwell
- 15 Sep 2018 · York Hall, London · stoppage victory over unbeaten Prince Brady
Zheko Zhekov
An away victory in the heavyweight division in Manchester. Zhekov left nothing to the judges and ended the bout in the opening round.
- 18 Feb 2017 · Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
- First-round knockout victory over Lee Carter
Hristo Yonev
Another night in which a Bulgarian travelled to London and left no room for scorecards — Yonev ended the fight in round one.
- 11 Mar 2017 · York Hall, London
- First-round technical-knockout victory over Sam Barron
VAKICHA
Ivan Nikolov
A story of change — from street fights and difficult years to the professional ring. Vakicha faced leading Bulgarian boxers and spoke openly about his most important victory: overcoming addiction.
- 23 Sep 2017 · professional debut
- Bouts with Yosif Panov, Vladimir Georgiev, Zheko Zhekov, Borislav Zankov and Petar Draganov
JOKO
Radoslav Mitev
Three away victories in three different parts of the British Isles — Belfast, Scotland and Dublin. A career showing just how difficult and valuable it is to win far from home.
- 28 May 2011 · Belfast · points win over Michael Harvey; Harvey was dropped in round three
- 6 Jun 2014 · Motherwell, Scotland · 39–37 victory over Eddie Doyle (14–2)
- 24 Nov 2018 · Dublin · victory over unbeaten Martin Wall; Wall was dropped by a left hook
Stefan Sashev
Sashev entered as the away fighter against an unbeaten Englishman and stopped him in round one — one of the team’s most emphatic York Hall wins.
- 9 Mar 2019 · York Hall, London
- First-round knockout over unbeaten Brandon Ball (4–0)
Iliyan Markov
Two notable all-Bulgarian wins in one year: Markov beat Borislav Zankov and Angel Emilov, both experienced professionals.
- 4 Jun 2019 · Sofia · unanimous points win over Borislav Zankov
- 19 Oct 2019 · Gorna Oryahovitsa · majority-decision win over Angel Emilov
THE LIONESS
Ivanka Ivanova
Wins, draws and repeated away appearances against home favourites. The high point was the Bulgarian title won against unbeaten Pamela Treand.
- 2 Dec 2017 · Sofia · four-round unanimous win over Dobrina Georgieva
- 17 Mar 2018 · London · four-round points draw with Ruqsana Begum
- 30 Mar 2019 · Sofia · majority draw with Teodora Hristova
- 22 Jun 2019 · York Hall · four-round points victory over Ruqsana Begum
- 10 Aug 2019 · Veliko Tarnovo · Bulgarian title by split decision after ten rounds against Pamela Treand (9–0)
- 16 Jan 2021 · Sofia · draw with Snezana Siljkovic
- 2 Apr 2022 · Juuka, Finland · six-round points win (58–57) over Lotta Loikkanen (6–2)
- 20 May 2022 · Arbanasi · first-round TKO victory over Jovana Zdravkovic
- 23 Sep 2023 · Stara Zagora · four-round unanimous win over Silviya Vasileva
- 8 Jun 2024 · Oldham, England · first-round technical draw with Sylwia Doligala after an accidental clash of heads
THE FIGHTER WHO FACED THE NAMES
Tayar Mehmed
A 51-bout professional who repeatedly accepted boxing’s hardest role — the away fighter against future champions and leading British contenders. Dillian Whyte made his professional debut against him.
- 13 May 2011 · Gillingham · Dillian Whyte made his professional debut against Tayar Mehmed
- Bouts with Lyndon Arthur, Matty Askin, Sam Sexton, Gary Cornish and Joel McIntyre
- Also faced Lawrence Osueke, Joe Sherriff and Ricky Summers
THE CHINESE · BULGARIAN CHAMPION
Asan Yuseinov
Merdjidin Yuseinov’s older brother and a Bulgarian professional champion. Asan recorded two especially valuable away results in Switzerland — a draw and a technical-knockout victory.
- 6 Mar 2009 · Martigny, Switzerland · points draw with Frederic Alix
- 15 May 2010 · St Gallen, Switzerland · TKO victory over Serkan Toptas
- 12 Jun 2010 · Ruse · Bulgarian champion after stopping Plamen Kostadinov
- Bouts with Edis Tatli, Derry Mathews, Dejan Zlaticanin, Chris Jenkins and Franck Petitjean
THE EGG
Borislav Ivanov
A professional record of 11 wins and 4 losses, with six stoppage victories. On 31 May 2025 he won the Pro Fight 28 main event in Gorna Oryahovitsa after his opponent retired following round one.
- 11 wins · 4 losses · 6 knockouts
- 31 May 2025 · Gorna Oryahovitsa · victory over Ionut Trandafir after round one; Alexeev Boxing’s involvement in the event was limited to this bout
- Victories over Sergei Stefanov, Ivan Nikolov, Ivo Krastev and Yoncho Markov
The story continues in the photo archive — with visible dates, names and the newest photographs first.
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