Strandja 2026: International Boxing Tournament Heats Up in Sofia
The 77th edition of the Strandja International Boxing Tournament is currently taking place at the Sofia Sports Hall in Bulgaria. The event, considered the oldest international boxing tournament in Europe, runs from February 23rd to March 1st.
Over 350 Boxers Compete
More than 350 athletes from 35 countries across five continents are participating in the tournament, including Olympic, world, and continental champions and medalists. Team USA is competing in its first international event of the year, with 14 boxers vying for gold.
Recent Results – February 25th
February 25th saw several Italian boxers in action. Results included:
- 80 Kg: Sarsilli vs ILLIUSHA UKR 0-5
- 51 Kg (Women): Vescovini vs Grygoryan ARM 0-5
- 57 Kg (Women): Grabucea vs Walsh IRL 1-4
Earlier Tournament Highlights
Here’s a recap of results from February 23rd and 24th:
February 23rd
- 60 Kg: Baldassi vs Ashiraliyev AZE 2-3
- 60 Kg: Canonico vs Conceição BRA 0-5
- 70 Kg: Malanga vs McConnell IRL 1-4
- 75 Kg: Guidi Rontani vs Nastroshvili GEO 4-1
- 80 Kg: Sarsilli vs Babishev TMK 5-0
February 24th
- 65 Kg: Giannotti vs Hasanov AZE 0-4
- 90 Kg: Chime vs Jakupi KOS 5-0
- 85 Kg: Caruso vs Tangatar KAZ 2-3
- 51 Kg (Women): Vassallo vs Marynchuk UKR WO
Looking Ahead – February 26th & Beyond
On February 26th, Gemini will compete in the 75 Kg (Women) division against Zakirova UKR. Further matches are scheduled for February 27th, including Chime (90 Kg Men) against Tolmachov UKR and Guidi Rontani (75 Kg Men) against MIKAELYAN ARM.
Team Italy Roster
| ELITEMALE | ||||
| 1 | 60kg | BALDASSI MICHELE | GS | BLUE FLAMES |
| 2 | 60kg | CANON GIUSEPPE | GS | BLUE FLAMES |
| 3 | 65kg | GIANNOTTI GIACOMO | GS | BLUE FLAMES |
| 4 | 70Kg | BEAUTIFUL GIANLUIGI | GS | BLUE FLAMES |
| 5 | 75Kg | GUIDI RONTANI GABRIELE | GS | ARMY |
| 6 | 80 Kg | SARSILLI CHRISTIAN | CS | CARABINIERS |
| 7 | 85Kg | CARUSO PAOLO | GS | GOLD FLAMES |
| 8 | 90Kg | CHIME DEAN NWOKEDI | VE | PADOVA RING |
| FEMALE ELITE | ||||
| 1 | 51Kg | VASSALLO MARTINA | LZ | ZEUS BOXING TEAM |
| 2 | 51Kg | BISHOPS MICHEL NICOL | EM | REGGIANA BOXE GINO BONDOVALLI |
| 3 | 57Kg | GRABUCEA MADALNA | LB | PAVIA MARTIAL ARTS CENTRE |
| 4 | 75kg. | GEMINI MELISSA | GS | BLUE FLAMES |
| TECHNICAL STAFF | ||||
| 1 | DE CAROLIS GIOVANNI | Technical DT | ||
| 2 | RUSSIAN CLEMENTE | Responsible Technician | ||
| 3 | PERUGINO GIUSEPPE | Technician | ||
| 4 | CALANDRA ROBERTO | Physiotherapist | ||
| 5 | NOCADELLO SALVATORE | Referee | ||
Stay updated with the tournament through the official website: Strandja 2026 and livestream the action on Bulgarian Boxing Federation’s YouTube channel.
Detailed draw sheets for men and women are available at: Men’s Draw and Women’s Draw.