When Bektur Turdubaev stepped into the ring for the first time, he didn’t know that boxing would one day help him survive college presentations in a foreign language. But now, studying Business Administration at Southern California State University, the 19-year-old from Kyrgyzstan says his athletic background is exactly what keeps him calm under pressure.
A Champion’s Path
Bektur started with judo and football, but boxing quickly became his main focus. His record speaks for itself: Champion of the Kyrgyz Republic (2024), two-time Champion of Bishkek (2019, 2022), three-time bronze medalist at the national championships, and bronze at the CIS Games (2021). In April 2024, he earned the title of Candidate for Master of Sports and was selected for the Kyrgyzstan National Boxing Team.
But instead of staying in the amateur system at home, Bektur made a bold move – he applied to a U.S. university.
The Hardest Part Was Leaving
“The most difficult thing was not adapting to a new country, but the moment of departure itself,” Bektur says. “You leave your home, your family, everything that was your support. Now everything depends only on you — your decisions, your actions, your circle of people. It’s a big responsibility.”
He arrived in California in January 2025. The first months were tough, but boxing had already taught him not to give up after the first punch.
“I accepted for myself that I must return home as a different person — more disciplined, more confident, with results that speak for themselves.”
Why Boxing Works in the Classroom
Bektur draws a direct line between the ring and the lecture hall.
“When you need to prepare a presentation and speak in front of an audience, especially in English, for many people this is serious stress. But boxing gave me confidence. It teaches you to control emotions and act in tense situations.”
He compares standing in front of a room of classmates to stepping into the ring: “People are watching you, they expect a result. The format is different, but the psychological pressure is very similar. That’s why when I go to defend my presentation, I feel calm. I just do my job — just like in boxing.”
A Different Sports Culture
Bektur sees both differences and progress when comparing sports in the United States and Kyrgyzstan.
“In America, sports have been developing for many years — there is a well-thought-out system, infrastructure, automation, and people are raised from childhood to see sports as a profession,” he notes. “In Kyrgyzstan, opportunities used to be limited. But in recent years, I see serious changes. New athletes are emerging, results are showing, and the state is beginning to understand that sport is not only about health — it unites people, inspires young people, and promotes the country internationally.”
Advice for Athletes Back Home
Bektur believes more Kyrgyz athletes should consider studying in the United States.
“There are many opportunities here. You can compete while representing your university and develop your sports career at the international level. You can interact directly with professionals and sports promoters. For athletes who show good results, grants and financial support are available. Of course, much depends on the person — on their effort and willingness to use these opportunities. But for those ready to work, studying in the US can be an important step in life and career.”
What’s Next
Bektur is finishing his first year at Southern California State University. He has three more years to go. His long-term goal is to bring the knowledge he gains back to Kyrgyzstan and apply it to large-scale projects in his home country.
“Sport and education are not different paths,” he says. “For me, they have always been one road. And this road is just beginning.”
