Imam Khataev vs. Joaquin Murrieta Lucio: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist, Imam Khataev of Russia, was billed to fight Rodolfo Gomez Jr. Still, a late withdrawal sees the Olympian now facing Mexican Joaquin Murrieta Lucio in a light heavyweight bout on the undercard of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith Light Heavyweight championship contest in Quebec City, Canada. Imam Khataev is a massive favorite of the bookmakers in early odds.

BOXING: Light Heavyweight

Venue: Videotron Centre, Quebec City, Canada

Where to watch: ESPN+

Date: 14.01.2024. 02.00

A rising star in the light heavyweight boxing division, the 29-year-old boxer may be just 5-0 in his fledging pro career, but he has fought in dozens of amateur bouts in a lengthy amateur career. Imam Khataev won bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2023 World Championships. The Kalary-born boxer turned professional in 2021 and scored knockouts in all five pro fights. Khataev fought three times last year, with his last bout in November when he stopped Fernando Galven in the second round.

• Age: 29
• Height: 5’ 11”
• Reach: 70.5’
• Weight: 178.5 Ibs
• Record: 5-0

The 32-year-old Mexican boxer is a veteran of over twenty-five professional fights. Fighting mostly in his native Mexico, “Bandolero” came into this matchup after two wins last year. Joaquin Murrieta Lucio’s last bout was in July 2023, when he TKO’ed Luis Zurita. Following the late withdrawal of Rodolfo Gomez Jr., the Mexican has stepped in for, arguably, the biggest fight of his career. With ten knockouts from twelve victories, Murrieta has a puncher’s chance to cause an upset.

• Age: 32
• Height: N/A
• Reach: N/A
• Weight: N/A
• Record: 12-12-3

Joaquin Murrieta Lucio is a 12.9 underdog on 1XBET. Murrieta to win by KO/TKO is priced at 23 odds on 1XBET. Imam Khataev, by decision, is 5 odds on Betwinner, and the fight to go the distance is available at 5.00 odds. Bet365 lists Imam Khataev to win in round three at 5.50 and in round four at 7.00 odds.