IBF super-featherweight champion Joseph Diaz’s title defence against mandatory challenger Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov is back on for February 13.
The bout was initially cancelled last week after Tajikstan’s Rakhimov (15-0, 12 KOs) tested positive for Covid-19 but two subsequent tests proved negative meaning the title fight has been revived for next month.
An all-southpaw battle, Diaz-Rakhimov will be broadcast live on DAZN with the bout still scheduled to take place at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California.
Californian Diaz (31-1, 15 KOs) won the IBF crown on the cards against Tevin Farmer in January 2020. The contest with the Russia-based Rakhimov will be his first defence. The challenger is already in the US, training at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.
Main image: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USA.
