BoxRec

Joseph Diaz, Shavkat Rakhimov Reach Terms, Avoid Purse Bid For IBF Title Fight

Joseph Diaz now has clear direction on his next fight.

A purse bid hearing previously delayed in order for the IBF junior lightweight titlist to buy more time on his next ring appearance has since been canceled altogether, as Diaz has reached terms with mandatory challenger Shavkatadzhon Rakhimov. In a minor plot twist, the extended time has resulted in a head-on collision between the two, satisfying a previously ordered fight by the sanctioning body.

Diaz was previously also in talks for a rematch with Tevin Farmer (30-5-1, 6KOs), from whom he won the title this past January in Miami, Florida. That fight is no longer on the table, as IBF representatives confirmed to Boxing Scene that a deal had been reached for a mandatory title defense versus Russia’s Rakhimov (15-0, 12KOs).

According to a breaking news report by The Athletic’s Mike Coppinger, a working date of February 20 is in place for the fight, to be staged in the United States and promoted by Golden Boy Promotions. Such terms are contingent upon securing a fight date and for DAZN to accept it as a main event—absent the fight being paired up with a more significant headliner.

The fight was previously scheduled for a November 17 purse bid hearing, though delayed by a full week as previously reported by BS.com. The rescheduled November 24 session was canceled well in advance of the scheduled 12:00 p.m. ET start time, as the IBF was satisfied with communication from both sides indicating that a deal was in place for the fight to move forward.

Diaz (31-1, 15KOs) will attempt his first title defense, and will be coming off of more than a year-long layoff should the February 20 date hold. Still, the 2012 U.S. Olympian and reigning titlist from South El Monte, California will be in a better place than Rakhimov, who will travel abroad for his second straight fight while entering the biggest fight of his career following a 17-month inactive stretch by opening bell.

Rakhimov became the mandatory challenger following a bailout, come-from-behind 8th round knockout of Azinga Fuzile in their title eliminator between unbeaten junior lightweight contenders last September. The bout took place on the road in Fuzile’s South Africa home region, with Rakhimov miserably falling behind after seven rounds before coming out full strength to stop the local favorite in the 8th round.

The stoppage was acceptable at face value, though the circumstances leading to that point became the subject of a four-month investigation by the IBF. Fuzile’s side alleged—with documentation and collected samples—that Rakhimov’s side used smelling salts and other banned chemicals in order to revive their fighter in between rounds. The matter was ultimately dismissed and Rakhimov retaining his mandatory ranking.

Fuzile was offered a consolation prize in being offered a second title eliminator versus Farmer, with such a fight offered just after Diaz’s title winning effort.

Farmer instead enforced a rematch clause, with hopes of their sequel having taken place earlier this spring. Such a fight was never assigned a firm fight date, with the initial wave of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic ruining such plans altogether.

As the sport as a whole once again resumed, Farmer’s side sought to have its rematch clause honored despite the IBF ruling. The matter became a sensitive topic, as Diaz—who willingly entered talks with Rakhimov to honor his mandatory title obligation—ran the risk of being stripped of his title had he instead moved forward with a second fight versus Farmer without the sanctioning body’s permission.

The IBF generally does not recognize rematch clauses in contract in regards to their overriding an existing ordered fight.

Upon the fight being ordered earlier this summer, Rakhimov’s team contacted the IBF to request an immediate purse bid hearing in lieu of continuing to participate in the 30-day negotiation period. Such is the right of any participant in an IBF-ordered fight, pursuant to IBF Rule 10A covering mandatory title fights and forthcoming purse bids.

A deadline of January 14, 2021 was assigned to Diaz-Rakhimov, providing a minor loophole for Diaz and Farmer to revisit plans for a sequel. Such a fight would have needed to come before the IBF-imposed deadline, absent Rakhimov agreeing to step aside with the assurance that he would be guaranteed the winner.

It became a moot point, as—despite Diaz and Farmer agreeing in principle to terms for a rematch, such a fight was never granted TV date. The second-time pairing never seemed to be a priority for DAZN, much less if it came without a title at stake.

Diaz—through Golden Boy and adviser MTK Global—instead opted to work out terms with Rakhimov, with a deal coming on the heels of his celebrating his birthday and the birth of his first child all in the span of just more than a week.

Finally, Shavkatdzhon has a title shot. This should be fun like Akhmadaliev vs Roman.

Confirmed

Press Release

A new era has begun in the career of Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (31-1, 15 KOs) as he makes the first defense of his IBF Junior Lightweight World Title against mandatory challenger Shavkatdzhon “Shere Khan” Rakhimov (15-0, 12 KOs) in a 12-round battle between two southpaws with highly decorated amateur backgrounds. The co-main event will also feature a classic battle between Brasil’s Patrick Teixeira, who will defend his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title, and Argentine mandatory challenger Brian “El Boxi” Castano.

The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 13 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., Mexico, Russia, Tajikistan, Brazil and Argentina.

Information regarding the venue and undercard will be announced shortly.

“After his participation in the Olympics and turning professional, Joseph had one goal: become a world champion,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Everyone at Golden Boy Promotions was so proud when Joseph had his hand raised and realized his dream. Now that he’s got that belt, he’s not giving it back any time soon.”

Diaz Jr. is a 28-year-old southpaw who represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic games in London. Immediately after, Diaz Jr. signed with Golden Boy and began a stellar career that has included fights against Gary Russell Jr., Andrew “El Chango” Cancio, Jesus Rojas, and Rafael "Big Bang" Rivera. In his last fight, the native of South El Monte, Calif. defeated Tevin “American Idol” Farmer to become the IBF Junior Lightweight Champion, which began a new phase of his career as he begins to take over the division.

“Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov is a very good fighter who is highly ranked throughout the world,” said Joseph Diaz Jr. “I know he’s been aching for a world title shot, but I’m ready to go out there and showcase that I’m willing to fight the best and defend my title with whoever wants to step in that ring with me. I’m the hungriest I’ve ever been, and there is nothing that he brings to the table that can affect me.”

“In my first main event on DAZN, I’m going to show to the world that I am the biggest threat at 130 pounds and a household name,” Diaz Jr. continued. “Not only am I doing this for myself, but I’m also doing this for my family. I fight to motivate people to keep on pushing and continue pursuing the dreams they have through the ups and downs in life. That’s my purpose. Come Feb. 13, I’m going to shine. It’s my time!”

Rakhimov is a 26-year-old puncher who earned gold medals in some of the world’s most prestigious international amateur tournaments. In 2015, the native of Qurghonteppa, Tajikistan made his professional debut, and in only his 11th fight as a professional, he captured the IBO Super Featherweight Title by scoring a sixth-round technical knockout over Emanuel Lopez. He defended the title three times, and one of those victories was against experienced contender Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos. Though no longer holding the IBO belt, he remains undefeated as he looks to capture a belt from one of the four recognized sanctioning bodies.

“I’ve been waiting for this chance for a long time,” Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov. “Thank you for this opportunity to my team. My training camp is long one but very good. I will do my best to win this fight. I came here for the victory!”

In the co-main event, Patrick Teixeira (31-1, 22 KOs) of Sau Paulo, Brazil will make the first defense of his WBO Super Junior Middleweight World Title against undefeated challenger Brian “El Boxi” Castaño (16-0-1, 12 KOs) of Buenos Aires, Argentina in a 12-round battle.

“I am very confident about this fight against Brian Castaño,” said Patrick Teixeira. “I am ready to defeat him and keep my title. The fight will be a war. It will be a bit show for all the boxing fans.”

Diaz-Rakhimov, Teixeira-Castano Title Fight Double Heads To The Avalon In Hollywood

As previously announced title fight doubleheader now has an official home.

The Avalon in Hollywood, California has been selected as the host to a February 13 show to air live on DAZN, two sources with knowledge of the situation have informed BS.com. Topping the card, Joseph Diaz (will make the first defense of his IBF junior lightweight title versus mandatory challenger Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov (15-0, 12KOs). In supporting capacity, Brazil’s Patrick Teixeira also faces a mandated contender for his first title defense of the WBO junior middleweight title as he faces Argentina’s Brian Castano (16-0-1, 12 KOs).

The forthcoming event will mark the first boxing card to take place at The Avalon since the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, having not hosted any shows in 2020.

Finalized plans for this card were announced last December, though always with a floating venue. Speculation suggested that the card would take place at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, a regularly used venue by Golden Boy Promotions including each of its first two shows since the pandemic.

However, a concentrated effort was made by Golden Boy Promotions to secure a location which can be open to the public in some capacity. It has yet to be confirmed how many fans—if any–will be permitted to attend.

Diaz (31-1, 15 KOs) claimed a junior lightweight title following a convincing 12-round decision win over Tevin Farmer last January in Miami. The fight contracted came with language allowing for Farmer to exercise a rematch clause, though it has since been revealed that the timeframe for a second fight to take place has since expired, leaving Diaz free to explore other opportunities.

It also allowed the South El Monte, California native to keep his title without fear of being stripped due to not honoring his previously ordered mandatory obligations.

Teixiera (31-1, 22 KOs) salvaged his reign after a team effort—led by youngest-in-charge 25-year old manager Patrick Nascimento—tirelessly worked to secure a travel visa for the boxer to leave his native Brazil in time to prepare for his first title defense. Teixeira won an interim version of the WBO belt in a 12-round decision over unbeaten Carlos Adames in Nov. 2019, receiving an upgrade to world titlist just a few days later—in time for his 29th birthday—on the condition that he next face Castaño.

The two were due to collide last April at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The event was shut down due to the initial wave of COVID-19, with several delayed efforts following in getting this fight on the schedule.

Castaño (16-0-1, 12 KOs)—a former secondary WBA 154-pound titlist—has not fought since a 5th round stoppage of Wale Omotoso in Nov. 2019.

Fu king shït this. Rakhimov has Covid.

Fights off.

Farmer said he’ll step in short notice for the rematch.

Joseph Diaz-Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov Title Fight is Back On

The fight between junior lightweight world titlist Joseph Diaz Jr. and mandatory challenger Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov is back on.

About a week ago, Rakhimov tested positive for Covid-19 and the fight was called off. However, Rakhimov has since had additional Covid-19 tests that have come back negative, allowing the fight on Feb. 13 to move forward as originally planned, Robert Diaz of Golden Boy Promotions, Diaz’s promoter, told BS.com on Tuesday.

“Since the test that was positive, he has had two more tests and both have come back negative,” Diaz said. “He had tests (this past) Thursday and Sunday. He’s feeling well and training, and everything is OK with him, the (California) commission and the IBF.

“We will still go through all of the protocols we have in place as far as testing before the fight. He will be tested a week or so before the fight and he will be tested again when he checks into the bubble. So, he will be tested a few more times before the fight, but it’s a go.”

The fight is slated to headline a show on DAZN from the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California. Diaz said there was the possibility of the event taking place at the famed Avalon Theater in Hollywood, California, but because of the need for a bubble and testing it was safer to go to Fantasy Springs, which serves as the host for most Golden Boy Promotions events.

Rakhimov (15-0, 12 KOs), 26, a Tajikistan native fighting out of Russia, is already in the United States so there are no issues with him having to travel from overseas for the bout, Diaz said. Rakhimov has been training at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, according to Diaz.

The fight with fellow southpaw Diaz will be Rakhimov’s first in the United States and only his second outside of Russia. In his last fight, in September 2019, he traveled to East London, South Africa, and scored an eight-round knockout of Azinga Fuzile in the title elimination bout that set him for the shot on Feb. 13.

Diaz (31-1, 15 KOs), 28, of South El Monte, California, will be making his first title defense since winning the 130-pound belt from Tevin Farmer by upset unanimous decision in January 2020 in Miami.

Had Diaz-Rakhimov been called off Golden Boy and DAZN were still planning to go through with the event with the co-feature moving up to the main event position. Now, the card will ahead as planned with junior middleweight world titlist Patrick Teixeira making his first title defense against mandatory challenger Brian Castano in the co-feature.

Teixeira (31-1, 22 KOs), 30, a southpaw from Brazil, has not boxed since he won the vacant interim 154-pound belt by upset decision over Carlos Adames in November 2019. He was elevated to a full titlist soon after when Jaime Munguia vacated the title to move up to the middleweight division.

Castano (16-0-1, 12 KOs), 31, of Argentina, has also been idle since November 2019, when he knocked out Wale Omotoso in the fifth round.

Glad it's back on...Rakhimov is tough & it's a winnable fight for him but I see Jo Jo eking out a close but clearcut decision.

Press Release | Rios vs. Negrete, Quigley vs. Mosley Added To Diaz-Rakhimov Card

Two exciting in-house battles between some of Golden Boy’s best talent will head to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. on the undercard of Diaz vs. Rakhimov as Ronny Rios (32-3, 16 KOs) and Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete (19-2-2, 7 KOs) face off in a super bantamweight battle and Jason Quigley (18-1, 14 KOs) and Shane Mosley Jr. (16-3, 9 KOs) fight for the NABO Middleweight Title.

The stacked event will take place Saturday, Feb. 13 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., Mexico, Russia, Tajikistan, Brazil and Argentina.

“Golden Boy’s first journey to Fantasy Springs in 2021 picks up right where we left off—with an action-packed card from top to bottom,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “A true crossroads fight will see Jason Quigley and Shane Mosley Jr. leaving it all in the ring to regain contender status in the middleweight division. And after upsetting my cousin Diego De La Hoya, Ronny Rios will look to keep it rolling against an always-tough customer in Oscar Negrete, whose only two losses have come to a world champion.”

Rios is a 30-year-old contender of Santa Ana, California who is coming off three consecutive stoppage wins, including a dominant knockout victory of then-undefeated Diego De La Hoya in 2019. Rios plans to capitalize on this opportunity in convincing fashion in order to accelerate his path to another world title shot.

“COVID-19 robbed all of us of something, whether it was memories, family members, friends, or in my case, a year of my boxing career,” said Ronny Rios. “I have lost opportunities to make up for, and I’m hungrier than I’ve ever been. That’s not good news for Oscar Negrete. I have a lot of respect for Oscar, but at the end of the day, I have one job and that’s to break the will of every opponent I face. My time to capitalize on the momentum I’ve built in this sport starts with this fight.”

Negrete, a 33-year-old native of Tierralta, Colombia, will return to 122 pounds after a unanimous decision victory against two-time Olympian Alberto “Impacto” Melian and an unforgettable trilogy against Joshua “The Professor” Franco,who is now a world champion.

“I am delighted to be returning to the ring against Ronny Rios on February 13,” said Oscar Negrete. “Both he and I have a style that is very aggressive, and that’s going to guarantee a real war inside the ring. This fight will be very important in determining the future of this competitive division. That’s why I’ll be training at 100% in order to walk away with the victory and earn another opportunity at a world title.”

Quigley, a 29-year-old native of Donegal, Ireland will return after knockout victories against Abraham Cordero and Fernando Marin. He’ll look to regain his spot in the division after suffering his first and only defeat against Tureano Johnson in 2019.

“I feel more than ready for this fight,” said Jason Quigley. “I worked hard during lockdown and have stayed ready to fight at any time. I have to go in there and take care of business. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to fight on this card.”

Mosley Jr., a 30-year-old native of Pomona, California, will seek to earn a top stop at the division after signing with Golden Boy in 2020 and defeating Jeremy Ramos in his last outing.

"I want to thank everyone at Golden Boy and The Contender for giving us this opportunity," said Shane Mosley Jr. "I have been working extremely hard, and I'm ready to show that I belong among the best in the world. Make sure to watch me live on DAZN on February 13 against an excellent fighter in Jason Quigley."

The card will also feature many rising prospects and contenders.

Uzbek Olympian Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (6-0, 5 KOs) will make his highly anticipated return in a 10-round super middleweight clash.

Explosive Armenian contender Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (18-3, 15 KOs) will return in a 10-round super bantamweight bout.

Victor Morales (13-0, 7 KOs), the charismatic rising prospect of Vancouver, Washington, will participate in an eight-round featherweight bout against Jose Gonzalez (23-8-1, 13 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico.

Hawaiian prospect Dalis Kaleiopu will make his professional debut in a four-round lightweight fight against Eduardo Sanchez (2-3) of Corcoran, California.

The opponents for Melikuziev and Hovhannisyan will be announced shortly.

I like this fight, seen Rakhimov a few times and he can fight, Diaz looked good against Farmer, deserved the win, big step up for Rakhimov but a potential banana skin for Diaz

Going with Diaz late stoppage or clear (but competitive) decision. Whatever the outcome it should be a damn fun fight

Fight Week

Jojo missing weight by 3.6lbs.. wtf. Shocking!

if diaz boxes smart and get him to mid rds , he will level him out i will diaz points, i think shav will go for ko esrly to mid rds not sure if there is a crowd there as that will help diaz if there aint as he can back off and not trade early

Diaz stripped of title, belt only on line for Rakhimov, hope he smashes JoJo up, these people who miss weight piss me right off these days

handsofstone wrote: ↑12 Feb 2021, 18:55 Diaz stripped of title, belt only on line for Rakhimov, hope he smashes JoJo up, these people who miss weight piss me right off these days

Especially when missing by nearly 4 lbs!

I think it's safe to say that Diaz needs to move up in weight. With his lack of height (he's just 5'6) Diaz is already at a disadvantage. He's only 28 years old ... so he has no excuse for missing weight like this. This is not cool Jojo.

Big weight miss, I’d like a system where if you miss weight, and win not only can you not get the belt but it’s declared a no contest. Missing weight shouldet lead to a win in your Resume and a loss on theirs.

I wonder if Diaz has enjoyed his title a bit too much. He’s got an ongoing DUI case, an ongoing management dispute case, very recently had a baby and now missing weight heavily.

I’m betting on Rakhimov.

Well if he just had a baby that explains why he's overweight

I was pretty excited for this fight, since the winner becomes the super clear #2, and a big threat to Berchelt. Basically a career-defining opponent for Berchelt up to this point.

Disappointing that Rakhimov got Covid and Diaz missed weight. It will not quite be a true indication of who is the better fighter.

Golden Boy page on Facebook: 5pm ET | 2pm PT
DAZN: 8pm ET | 5pm PT

Diaz vs. Rakhimov Main Card (DAZN)

IBF Super Featherweight Championship
Joseph Diaz (133.6)* vs. Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov (129.8)

WBO Junior Middleweight Championship
Patrick Teixeira (153.4) vs. Brian Castano (153.8)

10 Round Super Bantamweight Contest
Oscar Negrete (121.6) vs. Ronny Rios (121.4)

10 Round Super Middleweight Contest
Cristian Olivas (161.6) vs. Shane Mosley Jr (161.6)

8 Round Light Heavyweight Contest
Bektemir Melikuziev (170.6) vs. Morgan Fitch (170.8)

Undercard (Golden Boy Facebook)

8 Round Featherweight Contest
Rodrigo Guerrero (125.8) vs. Victor Morales Jr (125.8)

10 Round Featherweight Contest
Azat Hovhannisyan (122.8) vs. Enrique Bernache (123)

4 Round Lightweight Contest
Eduardo Sanchez (135.6) vs. Dalis Kaleiopu (133.6)

*Missed weight

Diaz, Rakhimov Within Second-Day Weight Limit, DAZN Main Event Moves Forward

Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz and Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov are cleared to fight.

Both boxers came within the 140-pound rehydration weight limit in place for their IBF junior lightweight title fight, which takes place Saturday evening from Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California. Diaz weighed 139.6 pounds, while Rakhimov was well within the mark at 137.6 pounds to vie for the now-vacant title.

Diaz (31-1, 15 KOs) was stripped of the belt after hitting the scale at 133.6 pounds for Friday’s official pre-fight weigh-in, more than three pounds over the 130-pound junior lightweight limit. Rakhimov—who weighed 129.8 pounds—is eligible to win the title with a win on Saturday. Any other outcome will result in the title remaining vacant.

There existed a period for several hours following Friday’s weigh-in as to whether the fight would still move forward. According to California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) rules, boxers who weigh more than two (2) pounds over the contracted limit are not permitted a second weight-cut attempt. Ironically, the ruling gives Diaz a significant advantage as he was not required to further drain himself in order to get closer to the 130-pound mark.

It also hit him directly in the pocket, however. In addition to his title reign coming to a close, the California native was fined 20% of his reported $500,000 purse. The $100,000 fine was evenly divided between Rakhimov and the California commission.

Rakhimov gained an extra $50,000 to go with his reported $100,000 purse, while additional terms were discussed in order to allow the fight to move forward. The Tajikistan-born, Russia-based lightweight contender was on board to proceed with the fight, though whatever additional payment was extracted from Diaz’s purse in order to make that happen was not disclosed to BS.com as this goes to publish.

Diaz (31-1, 15 KOs) claimed the IBF belt with a 12-round unanimous decision win over Tevin Farmer last January in Miami, Florida. The voluntary title fight came with a rematch clause, which has since expired thus allowing Diaz—a 2012 U.S. Olympian who fights out of Downey, California—to move forward with a mandatory title defense although no longer entering the fight as the reigning champion.

Rakhimov (15-0, 12 KOs) earned the mandatory title fight following a come-from-behind 8th round knockout of unbeaten Azinga Fuzile in their Sept. 2019 title eliminator on the road in East London, South Africa.

A post-fight protest was filed by Fuzile’s camp, alleging that Rakhimov was aided by illegal substances—including smelling salt in between rounds—in producing the knockout victory. The matter was the subject of a four-month investigation conducted by an independent three-person panel before honoring the official result. Rakhimov was then approved to face the winner of Diaz-Farmer, only for the ongoing pandemic to significantly delay such plans.

Rakhimov fights in the United States for the first time in his pro career. The unbeaten contender set up camp in Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood in order to prepare for the title fight.

Diaz served as a healthy -240 betting favorite throughout fight week according to SportsBettingDime.com, though odds have since grown closer. Diaz is now hovering at -190 according to bet365, with Rakhimov inching closer as a +165 underdog to win the fight and the vacant title.

Man I’m beyond disappointed in JoJo for missing the weight. What a bust. The guy’s already lost one belt on the scales and then another? Makes this fight so much less exciting. I’m practically rooting for the upset at this point, and I’ve never even seen Rakhimov fight.

Diaz just needs to move up to 135 already. There’s plenty of talent for him there.

Bek Bully coming in with sombrero and ranchero music was hilarious. He is belting Fitch for good, though.

A smart win for Mosley jr but nothing worthy of a title shot right now.