THE IBF is poised to order its super-welterweight world champion, Bakhram Murtazaliev, to begin negotiations for a mouth-watering showdown with Erickson Lubin.
After claiming his red and gold strap following an 11th-round finish over Jack Culcay last year, the destructive Russian then made a blistering title defence against Tim Tszyu several months later.
The 32-year-old overpowered his Australian opponent with a three-round demolition job in October, firmly cementing his formidable reputation at 154lbs.
But now, it would appear that Murtazaliev, 23-0 (17 KOs), will soon be ordered to take care of business against IBF mandatory challenger Lubin, 27-2 (19 KOs).
The sanctioning body has informed Boxing News that their negotiation period is set to commence tomorrow, with the pair being afforded 30 days – as per the IBF’s rules – to reach an agreement.
In any case, Lubin has found himself occupying a strong position after revitalising his career with an 11th-round stoppage victory over Ardreal Holmes Jr.
His dominant performance arrived last Saturday, and despite returning from a 20-month layoff, the 29-year-old looked every inch of his former self.
And while previous stoppage defeats to Jermell Charlo and Sebastian Fundora stick in the memory of fight fans, ‘The Hammer’ nonetheless represents a sturdy – and now seasoned – contender at world level.
Sure enough, his matchup with Murtazaliev would likely deliver fireworks from the opening round, with the fan-friendly punchers rarely shying away from an all-action dustup.
But either way, both parties should be given until June 13 – before purse bids are called – to get their potential barnburner over the line.
