Disturbing disclosure of fight fixing threats in Kazakhstan.

Daniela Leona Asenjo has revealed she was coerced into losing her IBO super flyweight world title rematch against Kazakhstan’s Angelina Lukas 15-1 (8 KOs) on May 31 in Taraz, Kazakhstan. Officially, Asenjo retired in the sixth round due to a back injury, but the Chilean  fighter and her coach, Alejandro Concha, allege they received death threats intended to ensure her opponents victory. The rugged Asenjo 17-5-3 (2 KOs) had previously fought through a broken sternum in a 2024 bout against Gabriella Fundora, the type of resilient form that lead onlookers to hold a level of suspicion regarding this recent mid fight submission. 

Almost a week after the match, Asenjo and Concha recounted a disturbing incident to journalist, Grupo Diario Sur. Both recalled an account, claiming that the fight’s promoter, an Azerbaijani national called Taryel Jafarov visited their hotel room, nervously placed a stack of U.S. dollars on Asenjo’s bed, and used a phone translator to say, “Asenjo isn’t going to win today, no way.” He allegedly added a more chilling message in writing, stating that If she wins, his life was in danger, they are going to cut my throat, and you won’t be able to leave Kazakhstan.”

Asenjo had previously fought Lukas 2 years ago, earning a points victory in Turkey.