Murtazaliev will face Johan Gonzalez on December 12 as part of the Dmitry Bivol-Callum Smith undercard in Ekaterinburg, Russia, his promoter Kathy Duva told The Ring.

Murtazaliev (23-1, 17 KOs) hasn't fought since a majority-decision defeat against Josh Kelly on January 31 in the United Kingdom. Murtazaliev and Kelly traded knockdowns, but it was "Pretty Boy" who prevailed on the cards in a competitive clash. Murtazaliev, 33, had failed to defend his 154-pound title for the first time following his third-round demolition of Tim Tszyu in October 2024.

Gonzalez (36-6, 34 KOs) is a power-punching, 35-year-old Colombian who comes into the matchup having lost four of his last fights. He has, however, fought top opposition in Jesus Ramos, Yoenis Tellez, Erislandy Lara and the undefeated Hebert Conceicao Sousa last time out in April. Gonzalez also picked up a March 2025 split decision win against former unified junior middleweight champion Jarrett Hurd, who retired afterwards.

Murtazaliev, a native of Russia, is rated No. 7 by The Ring at 154.