Daniyar Yeleussinov returned to fighting after a long break and hopes to be successful in a modern weight class.

Yeleussinov stopped Joe Noynay twice, winning by fifth-round knockout on Saturday night at the Almaty Arena in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Yeleussinov improved his record to 12-0, 7 by knockout.

Southern midfielder Yeleussinov was acute from the opening bell. About 30 seconds before the end of the first round, a left to the body sent Noynay to one knee. Noynay managed to defeat the enumerator and get out of the round.

Less than a minute into the fourth round, a series of punches, including left hands to the head and body, knocked Noynay to the canvas. Noynay got down on both knees but beat the count given by referee Martin Pawlak.

Noynay continued to play, but Yeleussinov’s accuracy and striking speed surpassed him. Yeleussinov was the aggressor and took Noynay down, beating him up for most of the fight. As round five ended, Noynay’s corner made a clever move to keep Noynay from taking more punishment and preventing him from answering the bell in round six.

Saturday’s victory over Noynay was Yeleussinov’s first fight since a one-sided win over Juan Hernan Leal in December 2021 in Astana, Kazakhstan. Yeleussinov won a minor welterweight world title belt.

The 33-year-old is from Kayinda, Kazakhstan and currently lives in Miami, Florida.

Chris Glover, who has worked with Jeleussinov and his team, stated that Jeleussinov will likely return to action and fight at 154 pounds.

Yeleussinov was an outstanding amateur, winning an Olympic gold medal in 2016. Yeleussinov signed with Matchroom Boxing and made his professional debut in April 2018, fighting a total of 10 times under the Matchroom banner. Yeleussinov defeated the likes of Reshard Hicks, Alan Sanchez and former lightweight titleholder Julius Indongo by knockout.

Noynay, who lives in Paranaque City, Philippines, has a record of 23-5-2, 11 KOs. Noynay previously fought on May 16, losing by knockout to once-defeated Jin Sasaki.

The 29-year-old split two fights with junior lightweight title challenger Liam Wilson and former junior lightweight world champion Kenichi Ogawa.

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Promoter Paco Damian has signed junior lightweight Elvin Soto, the 18-year-old son of former two-division titleholder Humberto “Zorrit” Soto.

Elvin made his professional debut last weekend in Mexico, winning by knockout in the first round.

Starting boxing at the age of 11 and taking part in his first amateur fight at the age of 12, Soto’s journey seems destined for success. He spent four years with CONADE (National Commission for Physical Education and Sports), winning four consecutive years of municipal championships, three state titles and two regional championships.

“I also participated in a binational tournament where I became champion against the United States,” Soto said. “I also competed in the Guerra en la Frontera International Tournament, placing second the first year and winning the title the second.”

Fábrica de Campeones and 8Count Media will manage his career together with promoter Paco Damian. Coach and manager Bobby Quirarte, who guided him through his amateur years, now supervises his training at the renowned Crea Gym in Tijuana under the supervision of Don Romulo and Roberto Quirarte. The gym is known for producing champions such as Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.

Damian recalls his early introduction to Elvin’s talent, saying, “I remember having breakfast with his father, Humberto, a few years ago. He showed me a video of this youthful kid sparring and I asked who it was. He proudly said, “That’s my son, Elvin.”

“I was impressed by his skills at just 13 years ancient. Elvin has everything to become something special in this sport – focus, dedication and discipline. I’m excited to be a part of his journey.”

Elvin expressed his enthusiasm for his debut. “I am excited to start my professional career in Tijuana, where my father trained and fought,” he said.