Sofia, Bulgaria — Bulgarian boxers Sevda Asenova and Zlatislava Chukanova delivered stellar performances to secure gold medals in the 48 kg and 50 kg categories, respectively, at the 76th Strandja International Boxing Tournament on Sunday.
The prestigious event, held in Sofia, saw the hosts finish with a strong showing, bolstered by Venelina Poptoleva’s silver in the 52 kg category.
Zlatislava Chukanova not only claimed her first-ever gold medal at the Strandja Cup but was also named Best Boxer of the tournament, earning her the coveted Strandja Cup 2025.
Asenova was recognized as Best Boxer First Runner-up, while Kosovo’s Donjeta Sadiku, who triumphed in the women’s 60 kg category, was awarded Best Boxer Second Runner-up.
Chukanova’s victory came after a hard-fought battle against France’s Romane Moulai, which concluded with a 4-1 vote in her favor. The scorecards read 30-27, 28-29, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, showcasing the closely contested nature of the bout.
Her win marks a significant milestone in her career, as she clinched her inaugural gold at Europe’s oldest boxing tournament. Meanwhile, Sevda Asenova, competing in her final Strandja Cup appearance, delivered a dominant performance against Aigerim Sattibayeva of Kazakhstan.
The judges awarded her a unanimous decision, with all five scoring the bout 30-27 in Asenova’s favor. The victory was a fitting conclusion to Asenova’s journey in the tournament, cementing her legacy as one of Bulgaria’s boxing stalwarts.
In the 52 kg category, Venelina Poptoleva’s path to gold was halted by France’s Rim Bennama, who secured a unanimous decision victory in the finals.
Despite the setback, Poptoleva’s silver added to Bulgaria’s impressive medal tally and underscored the country’s rising talent in women’s boxing.
The medal ceremony saw Asenova and Chukanova receive their awards from Youth and Sports Minister Ivan Peshev, accompanied by Bulgarian Boxing Federation President Krasimir Ininski.
The minister commended the athletes for their remarkable achievements and highlighted the significance of their victories for Bulgarian boxing.
The Strandja International Boxing Tournament, renowned as Europe’s oldest boxing competition, once again showcased high-caliber bouts and emerging talents from around the world.
The 2025 edition featured athletes from over 30 nations, reinforcing the tournament’s status as a key fixture in the international boxing calendar.
For Asenova, the victory was a bittersweet farewell to the Strandja Cup, marking the end of a storied career at the tournament. For Chukanova, it was a breakthrough moment that could signal the start of a new era for Bulgarian women’s boxing.
As the dust settles in Sofia, Bulgaria’s boxing scene is left with much to celebrate and even more to anticipate, thanks to the impressive performances of Asenova, Chukanova, and Poptoleva.