Shavkata Rakhimov to face Joseph Diaz for the IBF title in February

Rakhimov.

Shavkata Rakhimov (Tajikistan) will face IBF lightweight world champion Joseph Diaz after reaching an agreement to defend the title avoiding the purse bid scheduled for this week. The estimated date for the battle is February 20.

Rakhimov trains in the United States at the Wild Card Gym with legendary trainer Freddie Roach.

Unbeaten at 15-0 (12 KOs), he began his professional career in 2015 and 14 of his fights have been in Russia and his last fight was in South Africa with triumphs against experienced fighters such as former world champions Emanuel Lopez and Malcolm Klassen in addition to Robinson, Castellanos and South African prospect Azinga Fuzile.