Murtazaliev to potentially receive shot at becoming a two-time world champion.
As early as the beginning of this year, Bakhram Murtazaliev was the undefeated IBF super-welterweight champion of the world and would have been backed to give anyone in his division a rough time.
The Russian was seen as a boogeyman, having turned Tim Tszyu inside-out in the first defence of his title, and the intimidating puncher was favoured to get past Josh Kelly in his second defence.
Well, in Newcastle Arena, at the end of January, Murtazaliev would lose his title, his unbeaten record, and a lot of the fearsome reputation he had built.
Elsewhere in the weight class, Brandon Adams and Caoimhín Agyarko were set to square off in an IBF eliminator earlier this month.
The day before the contest was to take place, Adams collapsed and was rushed to hospital, resulting in the fight falling apart entirely.
Consequently, the IBF instead ordered for Agyarko to settle the matter of mandatory with Murtazaliev, who informed the organisation he would participate.
However, despite Agyarko being given until Monday to confirm his involvement, the Northern Irishman failed to accept, for one reason or another.
As a result, the IBF have now ordered Murtazaliev to instead throw down with Adams in a final eliminator contest. It is understood that both parties have accepted the fight in writing to the IBF and will begin negotiations shortly.
The heavy-handed Murtazaliev and the volume-punching Adams should together make for a very entertaining spectacle, to say the least. The winner will be the top challenger for whoever holds the IBF belt, which is currently still Josh Kelly.
As for Agyarko, it may be that he could get the Kelly fight in his very next appearance. But if not, one wonders where Agyarko will go next, given that this was seemingly an opportunity no fighter would ever turn down.
News: Caoimhin Agyarko either didn’t respond to the IBF or turned down eliminator vs. Bakhram Murtazaliev ordered in the wake of Brandon Adams pulling out vs. Agyarko the day before their April 11 eliminator when he collapsed & was taken to the hospital with chest pains. So the…
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) April 21, 2026
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