WBA number seven ranked middleweight contender Anatoli Muratov 24-2-1 (17) has stepped in to replace Sven Elbir as the opponent for Chris Eubank Jr 30-2 (22) at The SSE Arena in Wembley, England on October 2 after Elbir tested positive for Covid-19.
The German-based Kazahk was on standby preparing for his own bout on October 9 when he got the call to step in and now has a golden opportunity to force his way into world title contention.
The 33-year-old is well-travelled having boxed away from home in Turkey, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary and the United States as well as in his native Germany throughout his 27-fight pro career.
“This is a fantastic moment for me,” said Muratov. “It will be an honour to fight at The SSE Arena, Wembley and to test my skills against a boxer like Chris Eubank Jr.
“I’m jumping on this opportunity because that is what warriors do.
“Anytime, anyplace, I am ready to fight anyone. I’m looking forward to an exciting fight and a great night of boxing in London. I’m coming to win and I will give it my all.”
The 32-year-old Eubank Jr is ranked number one by the WBA where the world champion is Japan’s Ryota Murata 16-2 (13). Victory will put him one step closer to a world title shot.
“The opponent has changed but my objective remains the same,” said Eubank Jr. “October 2 is my night and nothing is going to stand in my way!”
Eubank Jr has gone undefeated since February 2018 when he dropped a 12-round decision to WBA super middleweight champion George Groves.
His most recent outing was a 10-round unanimous decision victory over Marcus Morrison at Manchester Arena in May.
German Elbir 18-1 (14) did not look like a stiff challenge of paper with Muratov arguably the better boxer of the two.“First of all, I would like to wish Sven Elbir a speedy recovery,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. “A change of opponent this close to a fight is never ideal but I know Chris remains focused on what he needs to do on Saturday night.
“Muratov was on standby. He was in the gym preparing for a fight next week when the opportunity came. He is well known in Germany and he is a serious contender.
“He is ranked number seven in the world by the WBA and will pose a different set of problems that Chris will need to be ready for.
“It’s unfortunate for Elbir he has had to withdraw due to Covid, but the change of opponent to the World ranked Muratov will make the fight a more interesting one,” added BOXXER’s Ben Shalom.
“Muratov comes into the fight after some impressive wins and is highly of thought of in Germany. He has been in training and is coming in to win.”
