Rafael Accegiori (14-0, 13 KOs) pulled out of the fight on December 16 with Arslanbek Makhmudov (15-0, 14 KOs) in Canada. It is not yet known who will become the new rival of the Russian, who is playing under the Canadian flag due to sanctions.
At the recently concluded WBC convention, Makhmudov (No. 4 in heavyweight) was assigned to defend the WBC silver belt with Zhan Kosobutsky (19-0, 18 KOs), which should be the next fight of the Russian "Lion" after the December fight. If he refuses, Makhmudov risks losing his silver trophy.