The WBA gave Murodjon Akhmadaliev a deadline of 90 days, or until April 24th, to carry out a mandatory defense of the WBA 122-pound championship against challenger Ronny Rios. Matchroom Boxing won the rights to promote the fight in May 2021. However, the fight was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic and Akhmadaliev received special permission to defend against Jose Velazquez last November. [The problem is Akhmadaliev also holds the IBF championship and may face conflicting mandatory obligations].