Murodjon Akhmadaliev, also known as “MJ,” will face Ricardo Espinoza Franco for the interim WBA super-bantamweight title in Monte Carlo on December 14. Akhmadaliev, with a record of 12-1 (9 KOs), originally hoped to fight 122-pound champion Naoya Inoue but is settling for the interim belt while Inoue focuses on an IBF defense against Sam Goodman.
Akhmadaliev’s Motivation
Frustrated by what he calls Inoue’s “running away,” Akhmadaliev is eager to prove himself, stating, “I’ll get what should be mine anyway.”
Espinoza Franco’s Challenge
Mexican fighter Ricardo Espinoza Franco (30-4, 25 KOs) will be taking on one of the biggest challenges of his career, bringing grit and experience from previous fights against top opponents.
With the interim title at stake, Akhmadaliev must stay focused on Espinoza Franco to keep his championship dreams alive.
