Rob Brant's first world title defense is officially announced and set to headline a boxing card in Minnesota.
Brant will defend his WBA “Regular” middleweight title against unbeaten contender Khasan Baysangurov on February 15 at the Grand Casino Hinckley in Minnesota.
This will be Brant's first title defense since winning the title this past October. On an ESPN+ card in Las Vegas, Brant scored a major upset, defeating Ryota Murata by unanimous decision to win the WBA title. Afterwards, Brant signed a co-promotional deal with Top Rank to keep fighting on ESPN platforms. The current WBA "Super" champion at 160 pounds is unified champion Canelo Alvarez, who also holds the WBA "Regular" super middleweight title.
Baysangurov, an undefeated Russian boxer, has won all 17 of his pro bouts. Baysangurov has held the WBA Intercontinental title since April and is currently ranked No. 8 in the official WBA rankings at 160 pounds.
Also announced for the card are Joshua Greer Jr. and Mikaela Mayer fighting in separate bouts to round out the ESPN-televised tripleheader. Greer will defend his WBC Continental Americas bantamweight title in a 10-round fight versus Giovanni Escaner. Mayer, a rising star in women's boxing, is making the second defense of her NABF super featherweight crown in an eight-round fight against Yareli Larios.
The undercard will be streamed on ESPN+ and will feature a number of prospects in action. Names announced for the ESPN+ undercard include Steve Nelson, Tyler Howard, Albert Bell, Cem Kilic, Lorenzo Simpson and Ismail Muwendo.
