Rixos Tersane Istanbul

Opened publicly on October 1, 2024, following a grand inauguration attended by President Erdoan, the venue revives Istanbul’s centuries-old Ottoman shipyard while layering it with urban luxury. The property offers 432 rooms (57 suites), a sprawling 2,027 m² ballroom that splits into multiple sections, as well as an expansive 900 m² foyer and 1,000 m² terraces overlooking the Golden Horn. Fitness aficionados will note a high-end sports club, complete with CrossFit studios, padel courts, rowing-themed events, and an infinity pool, all backed by expert trainers.

An International Boxing Association (IBA) professional event scheduled at Rixos Tersane: IBA Pro 7 on July 2, 2025, features Super featherweight title action, Albert Batyrgaziev vs Jazza Dickens, alongside Hovhannes Bachkov vs Shohjahon Ergashev. The presence of championship-level bouts indicates the venue is being positioned as a credible stage within the international boxing circuit.

Shifting focus to Istanbul, boxing has deep roots in this city. The city has hosted historic clashes such as the legendary “Istanbul Golden Boy” nights in the 1990s and more recent WBC title cards featuring local talent. Among Turkey’s most renowned fighters is Sinan Samil Sam, a heavyweight born in Frankfurt but raised in Istanbul who became a long-running European champion. Local fighters such as Serdar Balta, Hüseyin Cinkara, and Elif Nur Turhan are often registered at the venue as nearby professionals, suggesting that Tersane could serve as a future hub for emerging Turkish fighters.

What marks Rixos Tersane Istanbul as distinctive isn’t just its opulent amenities but its ambition to inject international boxing into a historical setting. While small hall shows are a staple in the city, positioning a former shipyard-turned-luxury resort as a ringside venue reflects a bold fusion of heritage and high-gloss sportsmanship. The July 2025 card may be the first of many global-level boxing nights if the IBA continues to send title events here.

In a city with a millennia-long sporting history, Rixos Tersane Istanbul is poised to carve out its own chapter in boxing lore. The early signs point to a venue capable of blending Istanbul’s legacy cafes and cobblestones with the bright lights of televised title fights. It will be one to watch as journalism teams and fight fans alike explore how this historic district adapts to hosting both gala events and future world-class fights inside its storied walls.