Akhmadaliev Facing Dilemma Of Mandatory Duel Against Rios, WBA Gives Deadline Until April 24

Murodjon Akhmadaliev (INSTAGRAM @murodjon_akhmadaliev)

JAKARTA – Boxer Murodjon Akhmadaliev faces a dilemma. This is after the World Boxing Association (WBA) gave a deadline for a mandatory duel against Ronny Rios until April 24.

The match between Akhmadaliev and Rios was actually scheduled for November 19, 2021. However, Rios tested positive for COVID-19 so his duel with the super bantamweight belt holder (55.3kg) was cancelled.

This situation forced Akhmadaliev to face a substitute opponent. He also fought with Jose Velasquez at SNHU Arena, Manchester, New Hampshire, United States.

"The WBA has given a deadline of 90 days, until April 24, for the mandatory match between world super bantamweight champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev against mandatory challenger Ronny Rios," the WBA said as reported by its official website, quoted by Antara.

This WBA order left Akhmadaliev faced with a dilemma. The reason is, the IBF also ordered the boxer from Uzbekistan to face mandatory challenger Marlon Tapales.

The negotiation process for the fight against Tapales will take place on January 28. Thus, the WBA and the IBF seem to have to sit down together to resolve the issue.

Currently, Akhmadaliev holds two world titles WBA Super and IBF super bantamweight. He got the title after defeating Daniel Roman at Meridian at Island Gardens, Miami, January 30, 2020.

Overall, Akhmadaliev pocketed an unbeaten record in 10 professional matches with seven of them ending in knockout results (KO).

Meanwhile, Rios is a boxer from the United States who is full of experience. Throughout his professional career, this 32-year-old boxer has played 36 matches and 33 of them ended in wins.

In the last match, Ronny Rios defeated Oscar Negrete at Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, United States, February 13, 2021.