Unified Junior Featherweight Champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev is planning to make his latest title defense in “early spring” against Marlon Tapales. A venue has not yet been determined, but early reports indicate that it will not take place in the United States.
Murodjon Akhmadaliev is looking to improve upon his perfect record of 11-0 with eight knockouts. After beating Daniel Roman by a split decision to pick up two titles, he has scored three straight victories. Most recently, he stopped Ronny Rios in the 12th round at Tech Port Arena in San Antonio, Texas.
Marlon Tapales is a former super-bantamweight champion. Since losing his world title in 2019, he has scored three consecutive stoppage victories. Most recently, he stopped Jose Estrella by fifth-round knockout at Dignity Sports Health Center in Carson, California.
The winner of the “early spring” bout could have a shot at becoming the division’s undisputed champion. Fellow super bantamweight champion Stephen “Cool Boy” Fulton has expressed a desire to move up one weight class. In his absence, a few belts could become available. However, undisputed bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue plans to move up one weight class and will compete for any vacant titles.
