World Boxing Federation (WBF) World Cruiserweight Champion Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf will make his first title-defense on March 31 when he takes on former Argentinean champion Alejandro Emilio “Mojarra” Valori on home-soil in Algiers, Algeria.
This will be only the second time that Benmakhlouf (38) fights in his native country, after starting his professional career in France in 2004. Most of his fights have since taken place in France, but he has also fought twice in Germany, where he won the WBF world title last March, and once in Russia.
His current record stands at 21-4-1 (11), and three of his four losses came at heavyweight, a weight class he doesn’t belong in, while the fourth defeat came on points to living legend Roy Jones Jr. In Valori he will be facing a challenger five years younger, but with equal experience.
The man from Buenos Aires turned pro in 2008, and has since compiled a 20-9 (15) ledger after fighting some of the Cruiserweight divisions high profile names. In 2014 he lost to former world champion Nathan Cleverly in England, but, after two other setbacks in 2015, he has won his last three fights in Argentina.
While the defending world champion can look forward to a loud and enthusiastic reception from the Algerian boxing fanatics, Valori should not expect many cheers when he enters the ring on March 31. But this is not the first time he fights in enemy territory, and he is coming to silence the local fans.
The Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf vs. Alejandro Emilio Valori WBF World Cruiserweight title fight will be promoted by BMA Production and Mohamed Kerrouche.