Israil Madrimov vs. Michel Soro rematch is official for July 9 in London

Uzbek Israil Madrimov and Frenchman Michel Soro will meet again in a final eliminator (rematch) for the World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight world title, on the undercard of the big heavyweight clash between Derek Chisora and Kubrat Pulev, scheduled for Saturday, July 9 at The O2 in London, England.

The fight is organized by Matchroom Boxing and will be televised on DAZN.

Madrimov (8-0, 6 KOs), the No. 1 super welterweight with the WBA, controversially beat Soro in their first meeting at the Renaissance Hall in Tashkent, Uzbekistan last December, resulting in the WBA ordering an immediate payback.

'The Dream' hurt France's Soro (35-3-1, 24 KOs) late in the ninth round, and it looked like Soro would hold his own when the bell rang. However, referee Salvador Salva did not hear the bell and Madrimov landed a flurry of punches after the bell, and the Spanish referee stopped the contest.

Initially, it was unclear what would happen as both teams implored their fighters to stay in the ring. After several minutes of deliberation, the officers gave Madrimov the victory. Team Soro was visibly upset, but now he has a chance for revenge next month.

“I am looking forward to this fight again,” Madrimov said. “After the first fight, I told my team right away, if the way the fight ended requires a rematch, I'm up for it. I don't want questions to remain unanswered. Let the best man win this time with honor and determination. We are having a good camp and will be ready for July 9.”

"Madrimov is a great fighter and an exemplary athlete, a very respectful man," Soro said. “This fight is crucial for each of us, we are going to war. I will be much stronger than in the first fight, I have no right to defeat, I will give everything and win."