The WBA has approved an interim title fight between Zaur Abdullaev and Khariton Agrba, and the matchup will take place on October 10 in Ekaterinburg, Russia, RCC Boxing has announced.

Gary Antuanne Russell is the full WBA 140-pound champion and defended his title for the first time in February against Andy Hiraoka in a unanimous decision win. Russell is The Ring's No. 5-rated junior welterweight in the world.

Abdullaev (21-2, 13 KOs) has been unsuccessful in his previous two attempts at an interim title. He was stopped by Devin Haney in four rounds in 2019 for the WBC interim lightweight title and lost a unanimous decision in May 2025 against Raymond Muratalla for the IBF interim lightweight title.

Abdullaev, a 32-year-old from Russia, has beaten the likes of Jorge Linares, Roger Gutierrez and Henry Lundy in the late stages of their careers.

Agrba (17-1, 9 KOs), a 30-year-old from Russia, still has some youth on his side, albeit with an unremarkable resume.

Agrba avenged the lone loss of his career last time out in December against Ruben Nestor Neri Munoz in a 12-round unanimous decision. Munoz had knocked out Agrba in just two rounds five months prior.