Ahmet Oner of Arena Box Promotions was able to broker a deal for Mourad Aliev to challenge reigning European heavyweight champion Labinot Xhoxhaj in Zagreb, Croatia, on May 23.

The event could also double up as a homecoming for unbeaten super middleweight Luka Plantic will be available on RTL Voyo in Croatia, while international broadcasting rights are also being investigated.

"I think it's a great opportunity to level up for Aliev," Oner told The Ring. "He belongs in the mix of the new generation of the heavyweight division. That's the reason I believe in him and therefore I spare no efforts - to bring Aliev [to that level.]"

Xhoxhaj (20-0-1, 16 knockouts) turned professional in 2016. The Kosovo-born fighter has fought in Germany, Kosovo and Switzerland on the way up.

The 32-year-old scored a win against perennial trier Tamas Lodi (RTD 4) and but was held to a draw by Milosav Savic (D 8). He was supposed to lose against the much bigger Oleksandr Zakhozhyi but recovered from an early knockdown to score one of his own on his way to a 12-round unanimous decision.

Aliev (13-0, 10 KOs) was a standout amateur who represented France at the 2021 Olympics. Since turning professional he has largely fought in Germany.

The 29-year-old Russian-born fighter has scored wins over Yakup Saglam (TKO 5), Evgenios Lazaridis (UD 10) and, most recently, David Brito (TKO 6).