Flyweight Enkhmandakh Kharkhuu watched Saturday night’s Most Valuable Promotions card and was inspired by the spotlight on the 112lbs division.
Kharkhuu, who was recently named by BoxingScene as a contender to watch in the upcoming year, now sets his aim on propelling his weight class forward.
Kharkhuu, 7-0 (3 KOs), is an undefeated Mongolian boxer. When asked how many amateur fights he has had, Kharkhuu humbly shrugged and said, “A lot.” It speaks to the 29-year-old’s disposition.
Kharkhuu came to the U.S. to be the best that he could be. Now he is even more enthusiastic at the start of the year, after seeing flyweight Jonathan “La Bomba” Gonzalez defeat Yankiel Rivera via a 12-round unanimous decision.
It wasn’t the result that stood out to him. It was seeing a high-level flyweight bout being aired and delivered.
“Seeing two great flyweights shine on the telecast inspired me to believe that could be me later this year,” Kharkhuu told BoxingScene. “Those are the type of fights I dream of happening. TV fights, big production, people reacting to each punch, it makes me eager for the moment. I can fight on that type of stage.”
Kharkhuu fought twice in 2025. He knocked out Bryan Aquino-Lugo in one round in November. Before that, in March, he had a majority decision victory over Mario Hernandez. Kharkhuu took the fight on late notice at bantamweight, two divisions above his usual fight class. In fact, Kharkhuu has had to take three bouts at 118lbs, including against Aquino-Lugo, to stay active since turning professional in August 2023.
“I want to bring back the great flyweight fights like Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez and Juan Francisco Estrada fought,” Kharkhuu said. “Those were fights that inspired me, and seeing flyweights televised and getting a performance bonus has me motivated to fight on those stages.”
His trainer, John Pullman recalled seeing Kharkhuu at the gym afterward.
“I have never seen him this excited after watching a fight,” Pullman told BoxingScene. “He saw guys that he wants to fight, being telecast on a big stage. It sparked a fuse in him.”
Pullman speaks highly of Kharkhuu, who is originally from the Mongolian capital city of Ulaanbaatar.
“He is a true fighter,” Pullman said. “He has the right attitude. He doesn’t care what weight class the fight is scheduled for, whether it is a southpaw or orthodox. He just wants to fight.”
Kharkhuu has a fight date of January 31 in Texas, and he is looking to use his next bout to set the stage for bigger evenings.
“I am a respectful guy, and I respect these fighters in my division, especially the ones at the top of the division, like La Bomba Gonzalez,” Kharkhuu said. “So, I am going to have to respectfully kick their ass when I get the chance to fight them.”
