Khegai vs. Dlamini Set as Eliminator Match

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has officially announced that the fight in the featherweight division (up to 57.2 kg) between Ukrainian boxer Arnold Khegai (21-1-1, 13 KOs) and South African Lerato Dlamini (20-2, 11 KOs) will be an eliminator.

The winner of the bout will become the mandatory challenger for IBF champion Luis Lopez (29-2, 16 KOs). Currently, Dlamini is ranked second and Hegai third in the IBF rankings. Representatives of the fighters have agreed to the match and hope to finalize an agreement without promoter bids.

The 31-year-old Khegai last fought in January 2024, winning by technical knockout in the third round against John Martinez. Dlamini fought in the fall of 2023, securing a split decision win against Tomoki Kameda.