This December, Callum Smith is set to challenge for Dmitry Bivol’s unified light-heavyweight world titles in an intriguing battle in Russia, and a former world champion is set to be added to the undercard.
Whilst it has not been formally announced, it is understood that WBO mandatory challenger Smith will end a 22-month spell on the sidelines as he gears up to travel to Yekaterinburg and compete for Bivol’s WBO, WBA and IBF light-heavyweight marbles.
Bivol has fought just once in that same amount of time, returning to action on home soil and outpointing Michael Eifert via unanimous decision back in May before undergoing an elbow surgery two months later.
The current stumbling block to the event is the WBO’s willingness to sanction a title defence in Russia, something which they refused to do for Bivol’s showdown with Eifert just months ago.
Yet, whilst RCC Promotions and Matchroom Boxing are currently awaiting a decision, it has not stopped them from bolstering the undercard, with former IBF super-welterweight world champion Bakhram Murtazaliev set to feature on the bill, as per Dan Rafael.
“Per source involved, former IBF 154 titlist Bakhram Murtazaliev will fight on the Dmitry Bivol-Callum Smith undercard on Dec. 12 in Ekatirinburg, Russia.
“It will be Murtazaliev’s first bout since he lost the title via disputed majority decision in Josh Kelly’s home country of England on Jan. 31.”
As Rafael states, this will be Murtazaliev’s first appearance since losing his IBF strap to Josh Kelly at the beginning of the year, but that has not stopped the 33-year-old from being installed as the IBF mandatory challenger.
That is because Murtazaliev was ordered for an IBF Final Eliminator against Brandon Adams, only for Adams to pull out of the contest after Main Events won the purse bid back in May.
As far as potential opponents are concerned, Caoimhin Agyarko is one name being suggested, whilst fellow Russian Pavel Sosulin may also be in contention.
