Colombian boxing has once again claimed a place of honor on the international stage. On Dec. 20, 2025, young pugilist Carlos Alfonso Utria Lopez was crowned world champion of the World Boxing Council (WBC) Grand Prix in the super lightweight division, after defeating Uzbekistan’s Mujibillo Tursunov by unanimous decision in an electrifying final held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The victory not only represents a personal achievement for the Colombian athlete but also marks a milestone for national boxing, as it secured a world title on a high-profile stage such as the Riyadh Season, one of the most ambitious sporting events of recent years.
The fight that earned the Colombian the world boxing title in Saudi Arabia
The final bout showcased a calm, strategic, and decisive Carlos Utria. During the crucial rounds, the Colombian expertly controlled the pace of the fight, neutralized his opponent’s offense, and landed the clearest punches in the eyes of the judges. In the end, the scorecards reflected a unanimous victory, confirming his superiority over Tursunov and sealing his coronation as tournament champion.
The WBC Grand Prix brought together boxers from different parts of the world and demanded a flawless run from Utria. On his path to the title, he defeated four opponents, two of them by knockout, and in the semifinals, he convincingly overcame South African Ntethelelo Nkosi, one of the toughest challenges of the competition.
In addition to the championship belt, the Colombian received a significant financial award, reflecting the impact and importance of the tournament organized by boxing’s top governing body.
About Colombian boxer Carlos Utria
At just 22 years old, Utria has become one of the great promises of Colombian sports. Born in the municipality of Soplaviento, Bolivar, he began his connection with boxing at an early age, inspired by cinema and a search for personal discipline. Under the guidance of trainer Alberto Agamez Berrio, he made his professional debut in May 2023 and has since built a meteoric career.
His current record of 14 wins, 0 losses, and 11 knockouts reflects an offensive, powerful, and effective fighting style, as well as a level of maturity uncommon for his age. He arrived at the Grand Prix with an outstanding streak of consecutive knockouts and left the tournament as an undefeated champion.
A renewed legacy
Utria’s triumph in the super lightweight division (140 pounds) carries additional symbolic value for Colombian boxing. It is the same category in which Antonio Cervantes, “Kid Pambele,” was crowned world champion in 1972, a parallel that inevitably sparks excitement among fans and specialists alike.
Utria’s victory represents a new generation of Colombian boxers beginning to break into the world elite. His success in Saudi Arabia has revitalized interest in boxing across the country, especially in the Caribbean region, from which some of the sport’s most iconic figures have emerged.