Muhammad–Rakhmonov Title Fight Scrapped After Injury
In October 2024, Belal Muhammad’s first welterweight title defense against unbeaten Shavkat Rakhmonov was scheduled for December 7. Analysts Michael Chiesa and Alan Jouban previewed the matchup in the ESPN segment embedded below. The bout did not take place as planned.
Muhammad Withdrew
A bone infection in Muhammad’s foot forced him off the December 7, 2024 card. Rakhmonov stayed on the event and met Ian Machado Garry in a five-round co-main event. That change turned the scheduled championship fight into a bout between two unbeaten contenders.
Rakhmonov Beat Garry
Rakhmonov won by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 48–47. The result moved him to 19–0 and gave Garry the first professional loss of his career. It was a close, competitive non-title fight.
What Happened to the Title Picture
The win kept Rakhmonov in the title conversation, and he faced off with Muhammad after the bout. They did not meet for the championship on that card. Muhammad’s first defense came later against Jack Della Maddalena in May 2025, where Muhammad lost the title by unanimous decision.
Sources
- Report on Muhammad’s foot infection and Rakhmonov’s replacement matchup
- Official event scorecards for Rakhmonov vs. Garry
- Muhammad’s title defense against Jack Della Maddalena
