Diaz-Rakhimov and Teixeira-Castano doubleheader official for Feb. 13 on DAZN

The previously reported Golden Boy world title doubleheader for Feb. 13 on DAZN is official, as the announcement was made today that Joseph Diaz Jr will defend his IBF 130-pound title against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov and Patrick Teixeira will defend the WBO 154-pound title against Brian Castano.

Diaz (31-1, 15 KO) won the belt in his last fight, out-pointing Tevin Farmer over 12 rounds on Jan. 30 in Miami. The 28-year-old Diaz was expected to rematch Farmer, who had a contractual obligation, but it didn’t come together despite Farmer constantly saying he wanted the fight. The fight with Rakhimov (15-0, 12 KO) has been rumored as a possible option for months now, and that’s what we’re getting.

The 26-year-old Rakhimov, a Russian will be taking a sizable step up against Diaz, but this is a very good fight on paper, and could be a real banger.

“Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov is a very good fighter who is highly ranked throughout the world,” said Diaz. “I know he’s been aching for a world title shot, but I’m ready to go out there and showcase that I’m willing to fight the best and defend my title with whoever wants to step in that ring with me. I’m the hungriest I’ve ever been, and there is nothing that he brings to the table that can affect me.”

“In my first main event on DAZN, I’m going to show to the world that I am the biggest threat at 130 pounds and a household name,” Diaz continued. “Not only am I doing this for myself, but I’m also doing this for my family. I fight to motivate people to keep on pushing and continue pursuing the dreams they have through the ups and downs in life. That’s my purpose. Come Feb. 13, I’m going to shine. It’s my time!”

“I’ve been waiting for this chance for a long time,” said Rakhimov. “Thank you for this opportunity to my team. My training camp is long one but very good. I will do my best to win this fight. I came here for the victory!”

Teixeira (31-1, 22 KO) became a surprise titlist by first scoring a minor upset over Carlos Adames for the interim WBO junior middleweight title in Nov. 2019, after which he was elevated to full titleholder status when Jaime Munguia moved up to middleweight. The 30-year-old Brazilian now defends against Argentina’s Castano (16-0-1, 12 KO), a strong contender who will come in the favorite in the eyes of most. He’s probably best known for going to a hard-fought draw with Erislandy Lara in 2019, but also has a quality win over Michel Soro on the road in France back in 2017.

“I am very confident about this fight against Brian Castano,” said Parick Teixeira. “I am ready to defeat him and keep my title. The fight will be a war. It will be a bit show for all the boxing fans.”

This show will be going head-to-head with the ESPN effort headlined by Joe Smith Jr vs Maxim Vlasov for the vacant WBO light heavyweight title, so there’s a lot going on on Feb. 13 already.