Murodjon Akhmadaliev puts his IBF and WBA (Super) super-bantamweight titles on the line against Ryosuke Iwasa as DAZN presents a live boxing card from Uzbekistan on Saturday.
Should the home hope come through this stern test, he aims to embark on a unification quest at 122lbs later on in 2021.
“When you fight at home, defending what belongs to you, that’s probably the most important fight,” said Akhmadaliev. “To give a good fight under the bright lights, that’s what I’m looking forward to. It’s a dream for any fighter to perform at home.
“Israil, Shakhram and I have been together for 15 years. We worked for World amateur rankings and becoming Asian Champions, World Champions, Olympians. We’ve been together through everything. Now being professional and have the chance to fight in a huge event at home, already being the champion is huge.
“Ryosuke Iwasa is a warrior, he’s been in the ring with the very best. I rate him very highly and believe he is a very dangerous fighter. I have studied him and am ready for him as always. My team have done the work and I will do the work in the ring. I’m not going to give up anything to anybody. He is trying to get what is mine, but that’s not going to happen. Boxing is not always easy, just like life. It’s pretty much always hard, you have to have tough fights in the ring and in life.
“You have to endure tough times and that’s how it’s been in my life. I’m prepared for any challenge because of that. I am only focused on Iwasa, but as a champion my dream is to win every belt. If everything goes well tomorrow night, I will not avoid anybody, I want all the belts. I’m blessed to be a World Champion, now defending my belts at home is the next goal for me.
“I’m looking forward to showcasing myself which is important to my countrymen, family and friends. I look forward to bringing the attention of the boxing world to Uzbekistan.”
Here's the information on how to watch Murodjon Akhmadaliev vs. Ryosuke Iwasa.
Murodjon Akhmadaliev vs. Ryosuke Iwasa fight date, start time
Date: Saturday, April 3
Time: 10 a.m. ET/3 p.m. BST/4 p.m. CET
Akhmadaliev vs. Iwasa main event (approx): 12:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. BST/6:30 p.m. CET
The Murodjon Akhmadaliev vs. Ryosuke Iwasa fight card begins at 16:00 Central European time, which is 15:00 in the U.K. (BST) and 10:00 Saturday morning on the East coast of the United States. The above main event ringwalk times are, as ever, dependent upon how long the undercard runs.
Can I watch Akhmadaliev vs. Iwasa on DAZN?
The April 3 card will stream live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe. You can sign up for a subscription here for as little as just £1.99 per month, depending on your location. If you are in Argentina, Chile and Colombia you must download from the Apple App Store or Android Google Play store.
What devices are supported on DAZN?
DAZN is available on web browsers at DAZN.com (except Argentina, Chile and Colombia) and also has apps available for all of the following TV and streaming devices:
| Mobile Devices | TV & Streaming Devices | Game Consoles |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone, iPad | Amazon Fire TV | Playstation 4, Pro |
| Android phones, tables | Amazon Fire TV Stick | Playstation 5 |
| Amazon Fire tablet | Android TV | XBox One, One S |
| .. | Apple TV | XBox One X |
| .. | Google Chromecast | Xbox Series X | S |
| .. | LG Smart TV, Smartcast | .. |
| .. | Panasonic Smart TV | .. |
| .. | Samsung Smart TV | .. |
| .. | Sony Smart TV | .. |
Where is the Akhmadaliev vs. Iwasa fight?
The event will be staged at the Humo Arena, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The venue will be fully compliant with the latest COVID-19 pandemic guidelines.
Murodjon Akhmadaliev record and bio
- Nationality : Uzbek
- Born : November 2, 1994
- Height : 5-5
- Reach : 68 inches
- Total fights : 8
- Record : 8-0 with six knockouts
Ryosuke Iwasa record and bio
- Nationality: Japanese
- Born: December 26, 1989
- Height : 5-7
- Reach : 71 inches
- Total fights : 3
- Record : 27-3 with 17 knockouts
Murodjon Akhmadaliev vs. Ryosuke Iwasa fight card
- Murodjon Akhmadaliev vs. Ryosuke Iwasa for Akhmadaliev’s IBF/WBA Junior Featherweight title
- Shakhram Giyasov vs. Patricio Lopez Moreno; Junior Welterweight
- Israil Madrimov vs. Emmany Kalombo; Junior Middleweight
- Bakhodir Jalolov vs. Kristaps Zutis; Heavyweight
- Elnur Abduraimov vs. TBA; Lightweight
- Hasanboy Dusmatov vs. Mushin Kizota for vacant WBA International Light Flyweight title
- Sanjar Tursanov vs. Ivan Yukhta; Cruiserweight
- Ikboljon Kholdarov vs. Kulwa Bushiri; Super Welterweight
- Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov vs. Tasha Mjuaji; Super Bantamweight (live float contest)