Jiangshan, China — Liu "Gigachad" Huanhua (CHN) sent Artyom Antropov (KAZ) packing in the Men's 102-kilogram light-heavyweight finals at the 2025 Asian Weightlifting Championships on Wednesday.
- Why It Matters: Liu vs. Antropov was the top-billed fight among the Men's events this year following Antropov's stunning comeback at the World Weightlifting Championships last December.
Reigning Olympic Champion Liu held onto his belt, beating Antropov in back-to-back rounds on May 14. Liu's win marked his second Asian Weightlifting Championships victory after winning at 96 kilograms in '23.
Liu vs. Antropov | 2025 Asian Weightlifting Championships
Fans expected a slugfest in the Men's light-heavyweight finale this year. Last winter, Antropov returned from an 18-month drug suspension to claim victory at the World Weightlifting Championships in Liu's category. "Gigachad" was still recovering from his Olympic victory just a few months prior.
- What Happened: An uneven performance from Antropov in the first round led to a commanding 15-kilogram lead by Liu, which pushed both men to attempt clean & jerk world records at 233 and 234.
The two best light heavyweights in the world went blow for blow in the second half, despite Liu's insurmountable lead. Both athletes finished under their international bests:
- Liu Huanhua (CHN): 410 (180/230)
- Artyom Antropov (KAZ): 386 (165/221)
They bagged first and second in the total rankings, respectively. Turkmenistan's Davranbek Hasanbayev had a lights-out performance in the snatch, winning gold and taking third overall.
2020 Olympic Champion Meso Hassona did not enter the ring despite reporting solid condition ahead of the event in Jiangshan. Antropov snuck past Hassona's defenses at Worlds last year, scoring 400 to 399.
- What It Means: Had Hassona matched his Worlds performance at this Asian Weightlifting Championships, Antropov would've been bruised to bronze.
"Gigachad" will remain the undisputed light-heavyweight champ once the 102-kilogram weight class shutters on Jun. 1. China's heavy hitter is expected to move up to the new 110-kilogram division.
He'd contend with 2020 Olympic Champion Akbar Djuraev (UZB), who delivered an uneven performance later in the day. Heavyweight Djuraev finished with the 109-kilogram gold medal at 406, four less than Liu's 410.
Catch the explosive finale of the 2025 Asian Weightlifting Championships on Weightlifting House TV.
