Former IBF junior lightweight boss Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov, 17-1-1 (14 KOs), will return to the ring against Houston, Texas’ Justin Pauldo, 17-2 (8 KOs), in a 10-round lightweight special attraction on Saturday, February 8, at Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas. The bout, which marks Rakhimov’s debut under new promoters Sampson Boxing will be streamed live on ProBox TV.
Rakhimov originally of Bokhtar, Tajikistan, and now fighting out of Downey, California, won his world title when he halted Zelfa Barrett in nine rounds at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi in November 2022. The 30-year-old southpaw will return to the ring in his first sanctioned appearance since losing his title in his first defense 22 months ago, via split decision to hometown challenger Joe Cordina at the Cardiff International Arena in Wales.
“I am grateful to be returning to the ring for a new promotional company,” said Rakhimov. “My opponent a good, tough fighter, which deserves respect, but he is no match for me and my drive to return to the world championship.”
“‘Shere Khan’ Rakhimov is back and looking to return to the top of the rankings where he belongs as soon as possible,” said new promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz. “We will put him in tough fights like these, which he needs to make a quick climb back to the top of the division for a world title challenge in the near future.”
The event is presented by Garry Jonas of ProBox Promotions, Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, and Alvino Valles of Texas Boxers and Brawlers Promotions.
It will also feature world ranked junior featherweight Ramon “Dinamita” Cardenas, 25–1 (14 KOs) of San Antonio taking on undefeated Bryan “Latino” Acosta, 20-0 (8 KOs) of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, in the 10-round main event. Also, streaking super middleweight Lester Martinez, 18-0 (15 KOs) of Guatemala City, Guatemala, faces also undefeated Joeshon “Shontime” James, 9-0-2 (5 KOs) of Sacramento in the 10-round super middleweight co-feature.
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