Promoters are required to have backup fighters ready to step in at a moment’s notice during these unusual times.
Bakhram Murtazaliev is that backup for the Jermell Charlo-Jeison Rosario junior middleweight title-unification fight on Sept. 26 in Uncasville, Conn., according to BoxingScene.com.
The Russian contender is training to face Manny Woods (16-9-1, 6 KOs) off TV but would move into the co-feature if one of the fighters tests positive for COVID-19 or has to drop out for another reason.
Even if he doesn’t get his opportunity on the pay-per-view card, it probably will come soon for Murtazaliev (17-0, 13 KOs). He’s the mandatory challenger to Rosario’s IBF 154-pound title, meaning he’ll be first in line to fight the Charlo-Rosario winner for that belt.
Murtazaliev is coming off a one-sided unanimous decision over Jorge Fortea in November, which earned him the mandatory position.
Jermall Charlo faces Sergiy Derevyanchenko in the other co-feature on the card.