BANTAMWEIGHT powerhouse Zhanat Zhakiyanov will face Georgia's unbeaten Gagi Edisherashvili at the Moulin Rouge Club in Minsk, Belarus on September 10.

 

Zhakiyanov is the reigning European champion but will this time contest the WBC's vacant EPBC crown.

 

As he is already ranked at number two in the world, victory should push the Kazakhstani puncher closer to a clash with current WBC ruler Shinsuke Yamanaka.

 

"As Zhanat is so close to a world title fight we could have looked for an easier fight that this, but I think he performs at his best when he's given a test," said Zhakiyanov's trainer and promoter Ricky Hatton.

 

"Although this Georgian might not be very well known, he's unbeaten in seven fights and anyone who doesn't know how to lose is always dangerous.

 

"Zhanat proved when he beat Guerfi that he can end a fight with one punch and I think he'll show his power again on September 10.

 

"He's been training with me for about 18 months and he's come on leaps and bounds. I think he's ready for a world title now and after this fight that's exactly what me and my team will be pushing for."

 

The September 10 bill is being staged jointly by Hatton Promotions and World Sport Promotions. The undercard will feature undefeated light-welterweight prospect Kirill Relikh, Belfast brothers Anthony and Sonny Upton, Dmitri Atrohov and Yuri Bihoutseu.