Vartan Arutyunyan Knocked Out Yunovidov to Become WBA Champion (VIDEO)

Undefeated Armenian boxer Vartan Arutyunyan (12–0) scored an impressive stoppage victory over Georgiy Yunovidov (11–2) to claim the WBA Interim World Title in the bridgerweight division. The bout headlined an evening promoted by RCC Boxing Promotions in Chelyabinsk on February 14.

For Arutyunyan, this marks the first championship belt of his professional career — and immediately at the world level.

Fight Recap

From the opening seconds, Harutyunyan seized control. The challenger applied relentless pressure, worked effectively behind his lead hand, pushed the champion to the ropes, and unleashed powerful hook combinations. Yunovidov responded with his jab and tried to stay mobile but mostly fought on the back foot.

In the third round, Arutyunyan’s advantage turned into a knockdown as a double hook sent Yunovidov to the canvas. The champion managed to get up and survive until the bell, but the momentum was clearly shifting.

After the break, Arutyunyan intensified his attack. He confidently closed the distance, mixed in uppercuts, and delivered heavy body shots. Yunovidov absorbed significant punishment yet showed heart by continuing. However, in the sixth round, he was dropped again. Although he rose to his feet, a final barrage of powerful hooks forced the referee to stop the contest, awarding Harutyunyan a technical knockout victory.

A New Chapter

The win keeps Arutyunyan ’s record perfect at 12–0 and earns him the WBA Interim bridgerweight title — a division rapidly gaining prestige in professional boxing.

For Armenian boxing, this is a landmark moment. For Harutyunyan himself, it signals the beginning of a new chapter, with potential unification bouts or a clash with the full world champion on the horizon.

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