26-year-old undefeated fighter Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov has an opportunity to do something this weekend that every young fighter dreams of: become a titleholder. And for Rakhimov, this shot is well earned.
Rakhimov has won every fight he has been in, 15-0 with 12 knockouts, climbing his way up the IBF ranking and has made himself the mandatory challenger for Jo Jo Diaz’ IBF junior lightweight belt.
Rakhimov’s last fight was in September 2019, where he faced Azinga Fuzile in the IBF title eliminator. This was a tough matchup between two unbeaten fighters who both rose to the occasion for a shot at the title. Rakhimov went into the fight ranked 5 by the IBF, while Fuzile was ranked 4th. The matchup got chippy with Fuzile hitting Rakhimov with a low blow in the 2nd round, and Rakhimov attempting to headbutt Fuzile in return. It went on to be a very close back and forth matchup. When it all ended, Rakhimov emerged victorious with an 8th round knockout after a very competitive fight. Thus, earning himself this title shot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raZOZy1JOco
The heavy-handed Rakhimov has made it clear that he intends to take full advantage of this opportunity
“I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. My dream has finally come true, so I am very glad.”
“Our game plan this Saturday is to do anything possible to win the fight. The key is to do anything that needs to be done to win. Diaz is going to be in for a big surprise on Saturday.”
“JoJo is a good boxer. But he will not be able to handle my power.”
The fight will be available to stream on DAZN on Saturday February 13, with the card starting at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, 5:00 p.m. Pacific, and the ring walks of Diaz and Rakhimov estimated to take place at 11:00 p.m. Eastern time, 8:00 p.m. pacific.
Also on the card:
- Patrick Teixeira vs. Brian Castano for Teixeira’s WBO Junior Middleweight title
- Ronny Rios vs. Oscar Negrete; Junior Featherweight
- Shane Mosley Jr. vs. Cristian Olivas; Middleweight
- Bektemir Melikuziev vs. Morgan Fitch; Super Middleweight
- Azat Hovhannisyam vs. Enrique Bernache; Junior Featherweight
- Victor Morales vs. Jose Gonzalez; Featherweight
- Dalis Kaleiopu vs. Eduardo Sanchez; Lightweight
- Elnur Abduraimov vs. TBA; Lightweigh