Cecilia Brækhus’ undisputed Welterweight title clash with Jessica McCaskill has been elevated to main event in Tulsa on August 15 after Julio Cesar Martinez’ pull out.
Martinez was set to defend his WBC Flyweight title against McWilliams Arroyo, with Matchroom USA making their return in the streets of Tulsa, but the Mexican was forced to withdraw following a throat infection.
Unbeaten, long-reigning champion Brækhus (36-0, 9 KOs) will defend her crown against unified Super-Lightweight champion McCaskill (8-2, 3 KOs), in the first female headline show on DAZN and the winner could tackle the victor of Katie Taylor’s rematch with Delfine Persoon on August 22.
“Brækhus-McCaskill is a fight fit to top any bill,” Eddie Hearn said.
“And while it’s sad to lose the ferocious Mexican champion Julio Cesar Martinez from the show, Cecilia and Jessica more than deserve their spot as the main event.
“Especially at a period of time when women’s boxing is on fire and in the spotlight, with the winner in Tulsa looking to take on the winner of the crunch rematch between Katie Taylor and Delfine Persoon, taking place a week after we return in America with a huge night of action in a stunning setting on the streets of Tulsa.”
With Martinez and Arroyo out of the equation, rising talent Israil Madrimov steps in to face Eric Walker in the co-feature after a blistering start to the paid ranks.
The Uzbekestan native has moved to number two in the WBA Super-Welterweight rankings, with current champion Jeison Rosario set to unify his titles with Jermell Charlo on September 26 after PBC announced their return.
The 25-year-old, a standout amateur is confident of securing his sixth professional win.
“I’m very excited to fight on August 15 against such a formidable opponent in Eric Walker,” Madrimov said.
“Many thanks to all of my fans worldwide for their support, I can’t wait to put on another great show for you.”
Walker is on a three fight winning streak since his loss to Brandon Adams in the semi-finals of ‘The Contender’ in 2018, whilst his only other defeat came to the late Patrick Day in 2017.
The 37-year-old has been sparring with former two-time World champion Shawn Porter in preparation for the bout and believes he will expose Madrimov, when the pair lock horns.
“Madrimov had a great amateur career but, as a pro, he makes a lot of mistakes and I’ll be the guy to give him his first loss,” Walker said.
“Despite the restrictions from the pandemic, I’ve been training and staying in shape.
“I’ve been in the gym since May and I just got back from sparring with Shawn Porter. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this, my mind is focused, and I’m ready to take care of business on August 15.”
The ‘Baby Faced Assassin,’ who learnt how to box whilst serving a prison sentence has been backed by his promoter Lou DiBella to derail Madrimov’s rise and insists he’ll be the best fighter he’s faced in his short career.
“Eric Walker is a legitimate 154-pound contender and will be the best fighter that Israil Madrimov has ever faced,” Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment said.
“Since turning his life around, Eric has reestablished his career and was a star on the last season of ‘The Contender’.
“I expect a terrific, competitive fight on August 15 and look forward to watching it on DAZN.”
