Christian Mbilli vs Rohan Murdock
Beterbiev-Smith and Mbilli-Murdock will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. PT/7 p.m. PT
Super middleweight destroyer Christian Mbilliwill defend his WBC Continental Americas and WBA International super middleweight titles against Australian contender Rohan Murdock on Saturday, Jan. 13, at Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada. Mbilli-Murdock will serve as the co-feature to Artur Beterbiev's WBO/WBC/IBF light heavyweight world title defense against former world champion Callum Smith.
Promoted by Eye of the Tiger and Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, Beterbiev-Smith and Mbilli-Murdock will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. PT/7 p.m. PT.
Images of Mbilli's most recent performances against Nadjib Mohammedi, Carlos Gongora and Demond Nicholson have circulated around the world, positioning him as the #1 contender in the WBC, #2 in the WBA, and #3 in the IBF. Although these performances should open more doors for him in the super middleweight division, Mbilli (25-0, 21 KOs) faces the congestion created by undisputed world champion Canelo Alvarez.
Mbilli said, "Rohan Murdock is a quality opponent with a completely different style from my recent opponents. It will also be an opportunity to gain new fans before my crowning as a world champion. I look forward to starting training camp and can't wait to be in Quebec on January 13 to wow the crowd!"
Murdock (27-2, 19 KOs) has won three straight bouts since a TKO defeat to Zach Parker, most recently edging Isaac Hardman by split decision in March to win the IBF Australasian super middleweight belt.
Murdock said, "I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to the challenge. I have been in enemy territory before and learned my lessons. I know what it takes to win at this level, and on January 13, I will emerge victorious."
Additional undercard bouts will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets are on sale now via www.ticketmaster.ca.
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