ASTANA – Khabar TV previewed “Qazaq boks stıli” (Kazakh boxing style), a documentary directed by Kanat Beisekeyev, March 13 in the capital, reported the channel’s press service. The film detailing the life of Kazakh boxers in the U.S. will be released March 16.
Photo credit: Khabar TV.
“Khabar TV has supported sports events for many years, and we are trying to show broadcasts of boxing matches with Kazakh boxers Daniyar Yeleussinov, Firuza Sharipova and Batyrzhan Jukembayev. This year, Khabar and director Kanat Beisekeev made a documentary about young boxers who are now becoming popular in the country. Talented athletes build their successful careers not only in Kazakhstan, but also abroad,” said Khabar TV programme director Aikumis Seksenbayeva.
The film follows 2013 world amateur boxing champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly and his manager Berik Sultan as they arrive in Los Angeles to begin the former’s professional career. He signed a contract with Las Vegas-based Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who represents the best pay for performance (P4P) boxers in various weight categories including American Terence Crawford (33-0, 24 KO) and Ukrainian Vasyl Lomachenko (11-1, 9 KOs).
The film also features Madiyar Ashkeyev, Meirim Nursultanov, Sagadat Rakhmankul and Askhat Ualikhanov as they live and train, and tells the overall story of professional boxing, said Beisekeyev.
“I always wanted to make a film about boxers as I followed their careers. Later, I learned about signing a contract with Top Rank. I thought about making a big story about it. It was important for me,” he said.
He feels Kazakhstan has many athletes who, like Gennady Golovkin, will become famous future champions. The film shows Alimkhanuly as he trained for his debut, when he defeated 27-year-old Colombian Carlos Galvan (16-8-1, 15 KOs).
“Why did I choose Zhanibek as the main character? I shot his debut in professional boxing. His contract with one of the most influential promoters is a great success. I thought that if these people believe in our athlete, I have to make a story about this. For example, everyone knew about Golovkin when he already became a champion. I think we have many of Golovkin’s successors who can become stars in boxing, too,” he noted.
Kanat Beisekeev. Photo credit: Khabar TV.
Beisekeyev would also enjoy making a film about tennis player Zarina Diyas.
“I love tennis and Zarina’s story is amazing. We haven’t had any Kazakh female tennis players before her. Why do we make films? Not just because they are athletes. I think if I am six or seven and I watch a film about a boxer, I will definitely be eager to go in for boxing. These films are aimed at an audience that will go in for sports tomorrow. We say if you want to be athletes and champions, just go to the gym and do it,” he said.
Beisekeyev has written and directed more than 30 documentaries based on human stories, including a series about Kazakh immigrants in the U.S., “After Release”, “Bala” and “Neighbours.”
Photo credit: Khabar TV.
Khabar TV did broadcast 2016 Olympic gold medallist Yeleussinov (5-0, 3 KOs) in his sixth professional fight against Mexican Silverio Ortiz (37-23, 18 KOs) March 16 in Philadelphia (U.S.) whom Yeleussinov beat by a unanimous decision of the referees after a full fight of eight rounds. IBO International and WBC Continental Americas champion Jukembayev will fight Mexican Carlos Jimenez and Nurzat Sobirov will oppose Argentine Cesar Reinos March 17 in Montreal (Canada).
A live broadcast of the fight between Aidos Yerbosynuly and South African Lukas Ndafoluma for the WBA International, WBC Asia and WBO Global titles and Nursultan Zhanabayev for the WBA Intercontinental title will be aired March 24.
