Murodjon Akhmadaliev is obligated to defend his IBF title against the mandatory challenger

In the super bantamweight category of professional boxing (55.3 kg), the owner of the WBA and IBF championship belts Murodjon Akhmadaliyev will have to defend his titles again. More specifically, the IBF has ordered a fight against the mandatory challenger Marlon Tapales of the Philippines and set a deadline of February 2 for negotiations.

According to Sports.uz, the talks have already begun and are expected to be finalized in a few weeks.

If the parties do not reach an agreement, a purse bid will be held to organize the fight.

Former WBO champion Tapales (35-3, 18KOs) won the bout on December 11, 2021, defeating Hiroaki Teshigawa of Japan in the second round by knockout in the eliminator fight. He also lost to Murodjon Ahkmadaliyev's former rival Ryosuke Iwasa.

Akhmadaliyev (10-0, 7KOs) in his last match defeated Chile's Jose Velasquez by UD of judges.