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By Vince Writer: On November 5, Bivol-Ramirez, Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov won the IBF lightweight title as he bounced back to defeat Zelfa Barrett (28-2, 16 KOs) via ninth round TKO, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dubai United Arab Emirates.
Initially, Rakhimov was the contender to become the champion during Joe Cordina’s time, but unfortunately, Cordina withdrew from the match due to a hand injury. The IBF continued to strip Cordina of the belt, and a match between Rakhimov and the late Zelfa Barrett was started.
Rakhimov started the match trying to close the distance immediately by cutting the ring, but Barrett was able to maintain his range by using quick movements and sharp transitions. Zelfa Barrett used a jab and a straight kick to win the first round.
A determined Rakhimov started the second round by continuing to push forward, trying to get inside to drop him. Rakhimov is working his game plan on pressure, but Barrett is doing a good job of boxing behind his leg, as he continues to find a home for his left hook to Rakhimov’s head and body.
Zelfa Barrett produced a stunning third round as the keeper kept the score on the scoresheet. As he worked first to the back, Barrett caught Rakhimov charging in, and hit him with a big right that sent Rakhimov to the canvas.
In the fifth round Rakhimov finally made a tactical correction. In the first four rounds of the fight, he was a stoppage target, but started the fifth round by using head moves and pinfalls. The consistency looked to be paying off as Rakhimov was able to land some nice combinations, and finished the round by landing a powerful left hand to Barrett’s head.
Rakhimov appeared to be getting into a vocal groove as he continued to gain success off the front foot by pressing forward and using the jab to set up his offense. After his opponent was able to put together two good rounds in a row, Barrett came back with a good seventh round. He used his footwork to set up his combinations, and closed the round with a solid right hand.
Barrett was moving through the water during the first eight rounds; then, he allowed himself to be forced to the ropes in the net. After being hit with four punches, Barrett appeared to have a problem with his right leg. It is not known whether the leg problem was the result of a punch or an injury sustained during the match.
With movement being a problem for Barrett, Rakhimov turned up the pressure, and hit Barrett with a wobble that sent him down to the canvas. Zelfa Barrett was able to get up, but without the use of his legs, he was forced to stay in the pocket and trade with Rakhimov.
Barrett continued to sit on shots and tried to trade with Rakhimov, but unfortunately for Barrett, he was winning in the strength of his opponent. Rakhimov was able to use Barrett in a corner and attacked Barrett’s body himself. Barrett’s corner threw in the towel, but the referee didn’t see it.
As the attacks continued, Rakhimov hit Barrett with a left hook, and the referee immediately stopped the fight and declared Rakhimov, who won by TKO. With the victory, Rakhimov improved to a record (17-0-1, 14 KOs) and also collected the status of IBF lightweight.
Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov is the new IBF bantamweight champion, and his next step may already be set as his first title defense will most likely be against former champion Joe Cordina.
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