BF orders Donovan vs Chukhadzhian Eliminator match

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The sanctioning body confirmed that Donovan and Chukhadzhian, its two highest-rated available rivals, had been given 15 days to meet terms. If no agreement is reached by March 5, a purse hearing will be scheduled. The winner will secure mandatory challenger status and move into position for a future shot at the IBF title.

Donovan enters the eliminator in an unusual position. The Irish contender has not fought since his September split decision loss to Crocker, which followed his disqualification defeat in their first meeting earlier in the year. He was ahead on all three scorecards before the disqualification, but the official result cost him his undefeated record and changed his position in the division. The rematch was competitive, although Crocker’s two knockouts were decisive on the scorecards.

Despite those setbacks, Donovan remained high in the IBF rankings. His earlier streak of wins and competitive performances against Crocker kept him within reach of another knockout rather than forcing him to rebuild from the bottom up. The IBF’s reliance on its established ranking structure has allowed it to remain active in the title pipeline.

Chukhadzhian presents a different kind of challenge. The Ukrainian contender has already fought twice for the IBF title, losing both times to Ennis. In their October 2024 rematch, he showed improvement and greater defensive control, surviving a takedown and extending the fight the distance. His technical discipline and ability to manage distance allowed him to stay near the top of the rankings.

Since the second Ennis loss, Chukhadzhian has rebuilt his position with two wins, including a stoppage win over Joel Mafauad. Those performances secured his place among the IBF’s best available contenders and set up the eliminator with Donovan.

The timing of the order puts both fighters one win away from returning to the title stage. Crocker currently holds the IBF belt and will defend against Liam Paro later this year. That fight will determine the immediate direction of the title, as Donovan and Chukhadzhian compete to secure the next mandatory position.

Donovan’s inclusion in another elimination reflects how sanctioning body rankings often prioritize continuity and recent competitiveness rather than forcing rivals to completely rebuild after small or contested losses. Whether he can take advantage of that opportunity against a technically disciplined opponent like Chukhadzhian will determine whether his path back to a title fight remains open or closed for good.