Born in Russia, 27-year-old Ukrainian Oleksandr Yegorov had an eventful year, starting with a decision loss to world-class Englishman Gavin McDonald for the European title last March.

In July he thoroughly resurrected his career when he won the vacant UBO World Super Bantamweight title by stopping late substitute Vladimer Janezashvili from Georgia in two rounds in Kiev.

He successfully defended his world title in December, stopping former UBO International champion Gabor Molnar, also in two rounds, taking his record to 15-1-1 (8).

With the vacant UBO All-Africa Lightweight title on the line, Ibrahimu Class and Cosmas Cheka battled it out on February 28 in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and gave the fans a thrilling contest.

Both boxers gave it their all, but in the end the close and fast-paced encounter was won by Class (now 13-3, 5 KOs) as the judges scored it narrowly in his favor by 96-94, 97-93 and 95-95.

A rematch would certainly be welcomed.

Russia’s Vyacheslav Mirzaev had a fantastic 2015. After a stand-out amateur career, he made his paid debut in January, fought his first eight rounder in September and won the UBO World Featherweight title in only his fifth professional bout in December.

Mirzaev proved his quality by outclassing the much more experienced Issa Nampepeche (22-4-4) to capture the UBO world title, winning every round on all three judges scorecards for a landslide unanimous decision.

At 27 years of age, and at 5-0, the future looks very bright for Vyacheslav Mirzaev, and he is the 2015 UBO New Champion Of The Year.

Sarah Achieng from Kenya is the 2015 UBO Prospect of the Year by virtue of her performance in Russia on December 5, where she convincingly defeated local favorite Marina Popova to win the Female Inter-Continental Lightweight title.

Achieng (28) won a clear unanimous decision by scores of 80-73, 79-74 and 79-74 and showed that she has potential to go even further in her career.

Now 11-2 (6), Achieng could be in line for a shot at the UBO world title in the not too distant future.

The 2015 UBO Promoter Of The Year Award goes to Union Boxing Promotions, headed by Yuriy Ruban, as the Ukrainian outfit staged two major events with UBO world title fights.

On July 17 UPB promoted Oleksandr Yegorov vs. Vladimer Janezashvili for the vacant World Super Bantamweight crown, and on December 5 it was Yegorov defending his title against Gabor Molnar.

One of the biggest and most successful promotional companies in Ukraine, UBP is known for putting on quality events and it was a pleasure for the UBO to be a part of two in 2015.

On May 8 in Papeete, Tahiti in French Polynesia, promoter Rodrigue Ah-Min (pictured) staged a wonderful event for the local boxing fans, featuring local heroes against French opponents.

Temoo Tamaititahio defended the European Heavyweight title with a second round stoppage of Alban Gallonier, and Karihi Tehei won the vacant International Super Featherweight title with a unanimous decision over Sofiane Bellahcene.

Ally Mwazoa promoted seven UBO title fights in 2015, and was a prime candidate for the Promoter of the Year Award. But since there can only be one winner in each category, Mwazoa is recognized with the 2015 Special Tribute of the Year.