Akhmadaliyev stops Castillo in Mexico, secures clash with Inou (video)

On May 30, Uzbek professional boxer Murodjon Akhmadaliyev defeated 29-year-old Mexican fighter Luis Castillo (31-6, 20 KOs) by technical knockout in a significant bout held in Mexico. The victory officially paves the way for a highly anticipated showdown with Japan’s undisputed champion, Naoya Inoue.

Earlier this spring, an agreement was reached between the camps of Akhmadaliyev and Inoue, along with the World Boxing Association (WBA) leadership. Under the terms, Inoue was to make a voluntary title defense on May 4, followed by a bout against Akhmadaliyev in September—provided both fighters emerged victorious in their respective matchups.

Inoue fulfilled his part by knocking out Ramon Cardenas on May 4. Akhmadaliyev followed suit with a dominant performance on May 30. He dropped Castillo in the 5th and 6th rounds, and after a relentless series of punches in the 8th round, Castillo’s trainer threw in the white towel, signaling the end of the fight. With this win, Akhmadaliyev improves his professional record to 14 victories.

The highly awaited bout between Murodjon Akhmadaliyev and Naoya Inoue is expected to take place on September 14 in Osaka, Japan.