Murodjon Akhmadaliev to Make Second Defense of Unified Belts Against Tough and Hungry Ronny Rios
Over the years, Matchroom Promotions has consistently invested time and money in the sport’s lower weight divisions. That commitment continues as they have announced that Murodjon “MJ” Akhmadaliev (10-0 7 KOs) will make the third defense of the IBF/WBA junior featherweight titles against WBA mandatory challenger Ronny Rios (33-3 16 KOs). The match will happen on June 25 at the Tech Port Arena in San Antonio, Texas, live on DAZN.
A YEAR IN THE MAKING
This match was ordered by the WBA in April 2021. They were to fight in November 2021 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Unfortunately, Rios was forced to withdraw because of COVID-19. The champ instead fought a late replacement, Jose Velazquez, winning by unanimous decision.
The defending champ can claim that he’s the best at 122 pounds. The 27-year-old southpaw from Chust, Uzbekistan won the titles with a unanimous decision victory over Daniel Roman in January 2020. He’s dominated in his two title defenses over previous 122-pound champ Ryosuke Iwasa in April 2021 and the aforementioned Velazquez.
He will now face a Rios who earned the mandatory position with a sixth-round knockout over Diego De La Hoya in April of 2019. It’s the challenger’s second world title try. In August 2017, the 32-year-old lost by decision to then-WBC 122 pound champ Rey Vargas.
SIZING THEM UP
“MJ” is a boxer-puncher who can do a bit of everything. He’s well-schooled and has the hand and foot speed to outbox opponents from mid-range and distance. But he’s also shown the capability to fight effectively on the inside.
Rios may not have the natural athleticism and raw speed of his opponent. However, he’s the definition of a true professional. A pressure fighter by nature, the mandatory challenger has a good Ring IQ. His jab is excellent, and the ability to fight inside is considered a major strength. He will be in the champ’s face from the opening bell.
Fighting on the undercard of Jesse Rodriguez – Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Akhadaliev – Rios is an excellent co-feature. There’s potential for this junior featherweight contest to be a standout and steal the show.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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