Allakhverdiev vs. Holt Being Eyed For June 20 Bout?

By Alexey Sukachev

According to Alexander Belenkiy, a well-known Russian boxing journalist for "Sport-Express" daily, undefeated WBA #11 ranked light welterweight "King" Khabib Allakhverdiev (16-0, 7 KOs) will fight on June 20 at CSKA sports arena in Moscow, Russia.

One proposed opponent they would like to secure is WBO/IBF #6 rated American contender Kendall Holt (28-5, 16 KOs). The winner will most probably be placed in line for a fight for the IBF 140lb title - if the reigning champion Lamont Peterson gets stripped for a failed drug test. Meanwhile, famed former multi champion Zab Judah is rumored to be visiting Moscow in order to see his possible future foe in action. IBF #1 Judah is said to be the primary contestant for the title.

Allakhverdiev, 29, was a former amateur star in the mid-00's, and had some promotional issues in his past. But now, under the guidance of Vladimir Hryunov, he is rapidly developing into a bona-fide contender. In his two recent fights he notched a technical decision over former undisputed lightweight champion Nate Campbell and stopped dangerous Colombian Ignacio Mendoza inside the distance.

Holt, 30, knocked out Tim Coleman in two this past March, is a former WBO champion with big wins over Ricardo Torres, David Diaz and Isaac Hlatshwayo (the latter two were undefeated at the time) among others. He could be a huge test fo King Khabib.