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ESPN+ to carry August 20th Shavkat Rakhimov vs Kenichi Ogawa title fight

The pair will duke it out for JoJo Diaz’s former title

Joseph Diaz Jr. vs Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov Photo by Tom Hogan/Golden Boy

Those eager for more Friday fights are in luck, as Mike Coppinger reports that ESPN+ will carry the August 20th vacant IBF featherweight title fight between Shavkat Rakhimov and Kenichi Ogawa.

The bout takes place in Dubai, so expect a late morning/early afternoon start time.

Both Rakhimov (15-0-1, 12 KO) and Ogawa (25-1-1, 18 KO) have rather interesting history with the belt at stake. Rakhimov knocked out current mandatory challenger Azinga Fuzile in controversial fashion to earn a crack at then-champion Joseph Diaz Jr., whom he fought to a draw despite “JoJo” missing weight by more than two pounds. Ogawa, meanwhile, enjoyed a brief reign after taking a questionable split decision over Tevin Farmer, only to be stripped when he tested positive for synthetic testosterone.

For the record, Ogawa attributed the failed test to medication for a skin condition.

It’s good to see American viewers getting the chance to watch a well-matched title bout between two capable, entertaining fighters. Definitely a solid appetizer for Manny Pacquiao vs. Errol Spence Jr. the next day.

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