LEE HASKINS will make the first defence of his IBF world bantamweight title against Ivan Morales at the Cardiff Ice Rink on May 14.
Morales, younger brother of Mexican legend Erik Morales, is 29-1(17) and handled by Golden Boy Promotions. His sole pro defeat came last year when Edgar Jimenez edged him out over 10 rounds.
Haskins has not fought since stopping Ryosuke Iwasa last June. He was set to fight then-IBF king Randy Caballero in September, but inherited the title after Caballero failed to make weight for the contest.
Haskins’ management team of Jamie and Chris Sanigar have teamed up with Barry McGuigan and his Cyclones Promotions outfit for this show. The fight will be screened live on Channel 5.
Haskins said: “I’m delighted to be defending my title in front of my fans at the Cardiff Ice Arena. To be defending my belt at home and live on Channel 5 is brilliant and I cannot wait for May 14.
“My opponent, Ivan Morales, is a young and hungry challenger, who comes from a family of great champions. It’s going to be a cracking fight and I’ll have to be at my best to win it.”
Andrew Selby will fight on the undercard, potentially for the British flyweight title.
