The potentially record-breaking title fight between undisputed welterweight champion Cecilia Braekhus and Jessica McCaskill has been elevated to main event status in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on August 15, following the official postponement of Julio Cesar Martinez’s WBC flyweight title defence against McWilliams Arroyo.
Martinez is no longer able to defend because of illness so now the spotlight moves to Braekhus’ attempt at breaking Joe Louis’ longstanding record of 25 title defences against WBC 140lbs champion McCaskill.
“Brækhus-McCaskill is a fight fit to top any bill,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “While it’s sad to lose the ferocious Mexican champion Julio Cesar Martinez from the show, Cecilia and Jessica more than deserve their spot as the main event. Especially at a period of time when women’s boxing is on fire and in the spotlight, with the winner in Tulsa looking to take on the winner of the crunch rematch between Katie Taylor and Delfine Persoon, taking place a week after we return in America with a huge night of action in a stunning setting on the streets of Tulsa.”
Also announced for the Matchroom USA bill, red hot 154lbs contender Israil Madrimov (5-0, 5 KOs) will now face Louisiana’s Eric Walker (20-2, 9 KOs), who decisioned John Jackson and John Thompson in the 2018 series of ‘The Contender’ before losing a majority decision to Brandon Adams in the show’s semi-final.
“I’m very excited to fight on August 15 against such a formidable opponent in Eric Walker,” said Uzbek maestro Madrimov. “Many thanks to all of my fans worldwide for their support, I can’t wait to put on another great show for you.”
A confident Walker (20-2, 9 KOs) added: “Madrimov had a great amateur career but, as a pro, he makes a lot of mistakes and I’ll be the guy to give him his first loss. Despite the restrictions from the pandemic, I’ve been training and staying in shape. I’ve been in the gym since May and I just got back from sparring with Shawn Porter. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this, my mind is focused, and I’m ready to take care of business on August 15.”