(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
IBF Cancels Purse Bid for Bakhram Murtazaliev vs Erickson Lubin
Junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev is back in limbo after the International Boxing Federation (IBF) canceled the purse bid that was scheduled to determine promotional rights for his mandatory title defense against Erickson Lubin.
The hearing was originally set for Tuesday after both camps failed to reach an agreement, but it has now been called off without explanation.
Erickson Lubin’s Next Move: Murtazaliev or Ortiz?
The situation comes amid speculation that Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs) could instead face WBC interim champion Vergil Ortiz (23-0, 21 KOs). Reports suggest that talks have already taken place, with topics such as VADA testing being part of the discussions.
Choosing Ortiz would mean stepping away from his IBF mandatory status. According to IBF rules, Lubin would forfeit his number one ranking and be ineligible for IBF-sanctioned bouts for at least six months.
Murtazaliev’s Position
For Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs), the cancellation leaves uncertainty around his next title defense. The unbeaten Russian last fought on October 19, 2024, when he delivered a stunning third-round knockout of former WBO champion Tim Tszyu in Orlando. That victory was his first defense of the IBF belt he captured earlier in April by stopping Jack Culcay in Germany.
The 32-year-old, promoted by Main Events and managed by Egis Klimas, has been eyeing another high-profile defense to cement his place among the top names at 154 lbs.
Lubin’s Rise to Mandatory Challenger
Lubin secured his IBF mandatory position with an impressive 11th-round knockout of unbeaten Ardreal Holmes on May 10 in Kissimmee, Florida. The win extended his current streak to three, following victories over Jesus Ramos and Luis Arias.
However, the chance to face Ortiz — widely regarded as one of the most dangerous punchers in the division — could present a bigger payday and more attention than a title shot against Murtazaliev.
What Happens Next?
If Lubin chooses Ortiz over Murtazaliev, the IBF will have to revisit its rankings to determine the next mandatory challenger. Meanwhile, Ortiz’s camp had initially targeted WBO champion Xander Zayas, but those talks fell apart, keeping the Ortiz-Lubin matchup alive as a real possibility.
With no official decision yet, the spotlight remains on both Lubin and Murtazaliev as the junior middleweight division prepares for its next big shake-up.
