Madrimov-Soro II set for July 9, DAZN

Israil Madimov and Michel Soro are set to do business again.

The 154-pound rematch is set for July 9 on a previously announced DAZN card at The O2 in London. The fight is the first of two rematches on the show, with the main event featuring a sequel between former heavyweight title challengers Dereck Chisora and Kubrat Pulev six years following their first bout.

Madrimov (8-0, 6 KOs) defeated Soro in the first fight via ninth-round knockout last December 17 in Uzbekistan. But the finish was extremely controversial as Madrimov pounded away at Soro even as the bell rung to end the round. To boot, referee Salvador Salva failed to hear the bell. Believing Soro was in danger, he stopped the fight.

Soro and head trainer Abel Sanchez immediately protested the outcome. Eventually, the WBA got involved and ordered a second fight. Furthermore, the WBA ordered that Madrimov must defeat Soro again before being formally named as its mandatory challenger to the junior middleweight title.

"I am looking forward to this fight again," said Madrimov. "After the first fight I told my team right away, if the way the fight ended requires a rematch, I am willing to do it.

"I do not want any unanswered questions left. Let the best man win this time honorably and decisively. We are having a good camp and will be ready for July 9."

While the loss stays on his record, Soto (35-3-1, 24 KOs), 34, a Côte d'Ivoire based in France, has been awarded a second chance to right a wrong.

“Madrimov is a great fighter and an exemplary sportsman, a very respectful man,” said Soro. “This fight is crucial for each of us, we are going to war.

"I will be much stronger than in the first fight, I have no right to defeat, I will give everything and I will win.”

The winner will earn a mandatory shot at undisputed 154-pound world champion Jermell Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs).