After jumping ship from Las Vegas and seeing two date changes, Matchroom Boxing’s September 13th DAZN show is a go. Devin Haney’s WBC lightweight final eliminator against Zaur Abdullaev headlines a four-fight main card at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater that also features two title fights and a clash of heavyweight prospects.
Great show announced for September 13 on @dazn_usa at MSG! @Realdevinhaney v Abdullaev WBC final eliminator, Roman v Akhmadaliev WBA and IBF World title, Serrano v Hardy WBO World title, Hunter v Kuzmin and much more! pic.twitter.com/BujbC2GnyS
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) August 6, 2019
The 20-year-old Haney (20-0, 14 KO) has thus far dazzled throughout his four-year pro career. After opening 2019 with a decision over undefeated Xolisani Ndongeni, “The Dream” got the chance to headline a May 25th show when Oleksandr Usyk withdrew from his heavyweight debut with a bicep injury. Haney made the most of his opportunity, leveling Antonio Moran in a Knockout of the Year contender and securing his place near the top of the WBC rankings.
Abdullaev (11-0, 7 KO) is something of an unknown product, as his only notable fight to date came against Hank Lundy last September. The man can certainly fight, though, and figures to pose a stiff test for the burgeoning superstar at the top of the bill.
Down at 122 pounds, unified IBF/WBA champion Daniel Roman (27-2-1, 10 KO) faces mandatory challenger and Olympic medalist Murodjon Akhmadaliev (6-0, 5 KO), a byproduct of the arrangement that allowed Roman to unify with TJ Doheny earlier this year. Roman’s the more proven of the two in the paid ranks, but Akhmadaliev’s impeccable amateur pedigree makes him an intriguing challenge.
The other title fight sees Heather Hardy (22-0, 4 KO) defend her WBO featherweight belt against one-time owner Amanda Serrano (36-1-1, 27 KO). Serrano, boxing’s only female seven-division champion, claimed belts at super featherweight and super flyweight in her last two fights and presents an abrupt return to the deep end for Hardy after “The Heat’s” time in the Bellator cage.
The final fight doesn’t have any belts or contender statuses on the line, but it’s still interesting. Michael Hunter (17-1, 12 KO) has gone from also-ran cruiserweight to genuine heavyweight contender with a series of impressive knockouts, while Sergey Kuzmin (15-0, 11 KO) has enjoyed a steady rise through the ranks with wins over recognizable journeymen.