Undefeated light heavyweight prospect Ali Izmailov will face former world title challenger Radivoje Kalajdzic on October 21, Showtime officially announced on Friday’s ShoBox telecast.
No word yet on where the fight will take place, but it will air live on Showtime and headline a ShoBox telecast.
Izmailov (9-0, 6 KOs), who is originally from Malgobek, Russia and now resides in Detroit, Michigan, defeated Eric Murguia by unanimous decision in an undefeated light heavyweight clash. The win over Murguia came four months after Izmailov stopped Abraham Tebes after the third round. Tebes also entered the Izmailov fight undefeated.
The 29-year-old is promoted by Dmitriy Salita, a former world title challenger who also promotes Ring women’s middleweight champion Claressa Shields, junior middleweight contender Shohjahon Ergashev and heavyweight contender Otto Wallin.
Salita is very high in Izmailov.
“Ali is one of the most exciting and talented contenders (in) all of boxing,” Salita told The Ring last week, confirming news of the Izamilov-Kalajdzic fight. “He is a force to be reckoned with in the light heavyweight division. He keeps getting better (after) every fight. His natural gifts, power and desire to fight and be the best is refreshing. I am excited about the future.”
Izmailov’s last four bouts were held in the United States after fighting in Russia, Belarus and Latvia.
Kalajdzic (27-2, 19 KOs) knocked out Ernest Amuzu in the first round of their last fight on May 14. He has won his last three bouts since losing by knockout to IBF world champion Artur Beterbiev in May 2019.
The 31-year-old, originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina and currently residing in St. Petersburg, Florida, lost his first pro fight via split decision to Marcus Browne in a fight many thought Kalajdzic did enough to win.
Kalajdzic is promoted by Lou DiBella.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County, California, Star newspaper. He can be contacted by email at [email protected] or on Twitter at @FSalazarBoxing
