The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has mandated a new final eliminator in the super welterweight division, ordering a matchup between Bakhram Murtazaliev and Brandon Adams. The decision follows a stalled attempt to previously match Murtazaliev with Caoimhin Agyarko, who reportedly failed to confirm participation within the required timeframe.
According to journalist Dan Rafael, both fighters have already accepted their positions in writing, with formal negotiations expected to begin shortly. The winner will become the mandatory challenger to the IBF super welterweight title currently held by Josh Kelly.
The move comes after the previously scheduled eliminator between Agyarko and Adams, set for April 11, was cancelled when Adams withdrew the day before the bout due to medical concerns that required hospital evaluation. The IBF was subsequently forced to rework the eliminator structure in the division.
For Murtazaliev, the order presents an immediate opportunity to reenter world title contention following his closely contested majority decision loss to Kelly in their previous meeting. His team had also formally requested a rematch from the IBF in the aftermath of that result.
Adams, meanwhile, returns to the eliminator picture after his withdrawal in April. The 36 year old remains an experienced contender at the weight, coming off a wide decision victory over Serhii Bohachuk in September, where he effectively managed a high-output opponent over ten rounds.
Stylistically, the matchup presents a clear contrast. Murtazaliev is a pressure-oriented fighter who operates effectively at close range, while Adams tends to rely on work rate and accumulation in similar exchanges. The ability to control distance and tempo is expected to play a key role in determining the outcome.
As for Agyarko, the development represents a setback in his positioning within the IBF rankings, as he loses ground in a competitive division where title opportunities are often limited and subject to rapid change.
