No 2-ranked contender Zelfa Barrett is in line to take on Shavkat Rakhimov for the IBF super-featherweight title in Abu Dhabi next month, after champion Joe Cordina was stripped of the crown having sustained a serious hand injury.
The clash, which pits against one another the top two-ranked challengers at 130 lbs, is expected to form part of the November 5 card at Etihad Arena.
The event, the first in the recently signed partnership between the Department of Culture and Toursim – Abu Dhabi and Matchroom Boxing, is headlined by the WBA light-heavyweight title bout between champion Dmitry Bivol and Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.
Cordina-Rakhimov was supposed to be one of three championship fights on the bill - WBC and IBF women’s junior welterweight title-holder Chantelle Cameron faces undisputed welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill in the other – however the unbeaten Welshman was forced to withdraw after sustaining a hand injury that requires surgery.