WBC No. 4 super featherweight Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov, of Isfara, Tajikistan, has signed a managerial deal with Australia-based Jim Kambosos and a long-term promotional contract with Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing.
Kambosos and Lewkowicz plan to relocate Yaqubov to the United States for training and regular activity, with the ultimate goal of securing a world title rematch against WBC champion O’Shaquie Foster.
Yaqubov 21-1 (11 KOs) is set to return from a year-long layoff on Thursday, Dec. 12, against fellow Tajikistani fighter Zafar Parpiev 13-2 (5 KOs) in an eight-round contest. The bout will be part of a card promoted by Shamir Petrossian of Shamo Boxing.
The 29-year-old Yaqubov, a southpaw, has already claimed multiple titles in his nearly nine-year career, including the WBC International super-featherweight belt, WBO Youth lightweight title, and WBA Continental super-featherweight crown, among others. His sole defeat came in March 2022, when he dropped a close unanimous decision to Foster in a WBC title eliminator.
Since then, Yaqubov has bounced back with three wins, including a decisive victory over Pablo Vicente in a WBC mandatory elimination bout last November. Despite earning a rematch with Foster, promotional issues sidelined Yaqubov, causing him to miss the July title shot.
“I want to realize my dream in America,” said Yaqubov, who trained with Freddie Roach at Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles for his last fight. “I want to be a world champion, and I want to do it in America. I’m excited to work with this great team and get back into the mix of the super featherweight division.”
Manager Kambosos, who guided his son George to the unified lightweight title in 2021, is confident in Yaqubov’s potential.
“He’s going to stay active, secure his visas, and train in the States with top fighters,” said Kambosos. “The goal is to get him the Foster rematch he earned by beating Vicente.”
Promoter Lewkowicz, renowned for discovering global talent, echoed Kambosos’ sentiments.
“Yaqubov is a highly talented fighter from Central Asia who just needs top training in the U.S. to reach his potential,” said Lewkowicz. “We are optimistic he will regain the WBC No. 1 position and secure the title shot he deserves.”
Yaqubov will take the first step back toward his championship ambitions next week in his return fight against Parpiev.
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