10/28/2024
The picturesque Monte Carlo is set to host a night of boxing as Uzbekistan’s former IBF and WBA Super Bantamweight Champion, Murodjon “MJ” Akhmadaliev (12-1, 9 KOs), makes his return to the ring. He will face Mexican fighter Ricardo Espinoza Franco (30-4, 25 KOs) in a battle for the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight Championship. This fight will not only be Akhmadaliev’s opportunity to reclaim a title but also marks his determination to secure a future clash with boxing’s elite, including undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue.
Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing
Akhmadaliev, who captured the IBF and WBA titles in a tightly contested split-decision win over Daniel Roman in January 2020, successfully defended his belts three times. However, he suffered a narrow split-decision defeat to Marlon Tapales in April 2023, relinquishing his titles. Now, he’s on a mission to reassert his position in the super bantamweight division, with the WBA Interim title on the line against Espinoza.
In addition to Akhmadaliev’s return, the card will feature Brazilian sensation Beatriz Ferreira (5-0, 2 KOs), who makes the first defense of her IBF Women’s Lightweight Championship. Ferreira, a former amateur world champion and Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist, secured her professional title against Yanina del Carmen Lescano in Liverpool earlier this year. She will face France’s Licia Boudersa (23-2-2, 4 KOs), a seasoned former European Champion.
Also on the card, Britain’s Chev Clarke (10-0, 7 KOs), the current British Cruiserweight Champion, is set to challenge undefeated Frenchman Leonardo Mosquea (15-0, 9 KOs) for the vacant EBU European Cruiserweight Title. Clarke has been on a tear in 2024, showcasing his power by stopping Tommy McCarthy and Ellis Zorro, and most recently outboxing Efetobor Apochi.
An Ireland vs. England showdown will see Irish lightweight contender Gary Cully (18-1, 10 KOs) defend his WBA Continental Title against Maxi Hughes (27-7-2, 6 KOs). Cully, known as “The Diva,” outclassed Francesco Patera in May, while Hughes recently scored a stoppage win over Efstathios Antonas.
Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing
For Akhmadaliev, his fight with Espinoza has a deeper motivation, especially as he sets his sights on Inoue. The WBA initially mandated a title bout between Inoue and Akhmadaliev, which was met with resistance from Inoue’s team, including Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who dismissed the fight. Arum stated, “No chance… We’re not gonna fight a no-name guy in Wembley.” Inoue, instead, opted to fulfill his IBF mandatory against Sam Goodman, prompting the WBA to commission the interim title fight for Akhmadaliev.
Ironically, Akhmadaliev’s career has faced criticism for a perceived reluctance to take on top-tier opponents, as he did not pursue a rematch with Roman or unify with Stephen Fulton. Inoue fought Fulton in July 2023. Even after his loss to Tapales, Akhmadaliev chose not to pursue an immediate rematch, freeing up Tapales to fight Inoue. Akhmadaliev also did not fight other top contender Ra'eese Aleem, a bout that Inoue’s next opponent took on and won. Akhmadaliev has been accused of sitting around looking for an Inoue payday. Now, with the interim title on the line, Akhmadaliev aims to silence his detractors by putting on a dominant performance in Monte Carlo.
Full Card:
Murodjon Akhmadaliev (12-1, 9 KOs) vs. Ricardo Espinoza Franco (30-4, 25 KOs), 12 rounds for the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight Championship
Chev Clarke (10-0, 7 KOs) vs. Leonardo Mosquea (15-0, 9 KOs), 12 rounds for the vacant EBU European Cruiserweight Championship
Gary Cully (18-1, 10 KOs) vs. Maxi Hughes (27-7-2, 6 KOs), 12 rounds for the WBA Continental Championship
Beatriz Ferreira (5-0, 2 KOs) vs. Licia Boudersa (23-2-2, 4 KOs), 10 rounds for the IBF Women’s Lightweight Championship
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