BX-9 Gives Mikhailovich A Fighting Chance

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – 26 March 2026

One of New Zealand boxing’s most compelling comeback stories will unfold at Eventfinda Stadium when BX-9 Volume 4 takes place on Thursday, 26 March, headlined by a dramatic main event between Andrei “The Prince” Mikhailovichand Australia’s Jordan Towns.

For Mikhailovich, the fight represents far more than another professional bout - it marks the beginning of a deeply personal comeback.

Once one of New Zealand’s brightest boxing prospects, Mikhailovich challenged for the world title in 2024 against Kazakhstan’s undefeated champion Janibek Alimkhanuly. After two tough losses that followed, the talented middleweight stepped away from the sport and quietly retired from boxing.

What followed was one of the lowest periods of his life.

Mikhailovich struggled with depression, alcohol and substance abuse after leaving the ring, and his weight climbed to nearly 96 kilograms as he lost direction outside the sport that once defined him.

But fate intervened unexpectedly.

BX-9 founder and promoter Oz Jabur happened to walk into Boxing Alley Gym in Auckland one afternoon and saw Mikhailovich sparring during a casual training session.

“I saw Andrei moving and immediately thought - he still has it,” said Jabur.

“But when I spoke to him afterwards, I could also see something was missing. The spark in his eyes wasn’t there anymore. That’s when I realised he didn’t just need a fight - he needed belief again.”

What followed were weeks of conversations and meetings as Jabur encouraged the former world title challenger to believe his story in boxing wasn’t finished.

The result is a reborn Mikhailovich - physically sharper, mentally focused, and carrying a new identity that reflects his journey.

“He’s still the prince of boxing,” Jabur said. “That’s where the nickname came from. This isn’t just a comeback - it’s a second chapter.”

Now competing under the moniker “The Prince,” Mikhailovich sees BX-9 as the platform that has given him a second chance.

“This opportunity means everything to me,” Mikhailovich said.

“I went through some very dark times after those losses. I lost belief in myself. But boxing gave me purpose once before and now I’m determined to prove to the world - and to myself - that I still belong on the big stage.”

Standing across the ring will be Australian contender Jordan Towns, a seasoned and dangerous opponent determined to spoil the comeback narrative.

The bout headlines BX-9 Volume 4, the latest instalment of the professional boxing series broadcast globally through Combat Sports Network (CSN).

BX-9 has quickly built a reputation for showcasing elite Australasian fighters while delivering high-energy fight nights to a global audience.

For Jabur, however, this particular fight carries deeper meaning.

“BX-9 is about giving all fighters across NZ, Australia and the Pacific opportunities,” he said.

“But sometimes the right opportunity comes at the right moment in someone’s life. Seeing Andrei rediscover his purpose again - that’s something bigger than boxing.”

With redemption on the line and a dangerous Australian challenger waiting across the ring, BX-9 Volume 4 promises a main event filled with emotion, intensity and the possibility of one of New Zealand boxing’s most powerful comeback stories.

Event Details

Event: BX-9 Volume 4
Date: Thursday, 26 March 2026
Venue: Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland
Main Event: Andrei “The Prince” Mikhailovich (NZ) vs Jordan Towns (AUS)

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