Could Aliev Seek Redemption Against the Only Man to Defeat Him?

Mourad Aliev’s victory over Umut Camkiran raises an intriguing question for heavyweight boxing fans: could he eventually seek another meeting with former UBF Inter-Continental Heavyweight Champion Labinot Xhoxhaj—the only man to defeat him professionally?

This is a discussion of a possible matchup, rather than a report of negotiations. No confirmed rematch agreement is being reported here, and this article is not a UBF sanctioning announcement.

Aliev defeated Camkiran in Istanbul on November 7 to capture the vacant WBC Silver heavyweight championship, ending the former UBF European heavyweight champion’s unbeaten run. The victory adds momentum to Aliev’s career and gives fans another reason to consider what might come next.

One possibility carries a personal sporting incentive: a chance to reverse his only professional defeat.

On June 7, 2025, Xhoxhaj outpointed Aliev over twelve rounds at Universum Gym in Hamburg. The judges scored the contest 115–113, 114–113 and 115–112. Xhoxhaj retained his EBU European heavyweight championship and added the WBC International Silver title.

Xhoxhaj won on all three cards, but the competitive margins give a hypothetical second meeting an appealing foundation. Could Aliev adjust enough to change the outcome? Could Xhoxhaj demonstrate once again that he has the answers to the taller southpaw?

Aliev has responded to that setback with victories. Before facing Camkiran, he had beaten Yonny Molina and Raphael Akpejiori. His success in Istanbul extends that rebuilding run and makes the prospect of revisiting his lone defeat more interesting from a fan’s perspective.

Xhoxhaj has his own immediate business. He is scheduled to defend his European championship against Eduardo Giustini on November 27 at Europa-Park Arena in Rust, Germany. That assignment comes before any discussion of a future Aliev encounter.

The careers involved also share a UBF connection. Xhoxhaj captured the UBF Inter-Continental heavyweight title against Tamas Lodi in December 2020, while Camkiran previously held the UBF European heavyweight championship. Those achievements remain part of their histories as they compete on other championship stages.

For Aliev, a second Xhoxhaj fight would offer an opportunity to avenge a defeat. For Xhoxhaj, it would present the challenge of beating a familiar opponent who has since rebuilt his momentum.

Whether either fighter wants that matchup remains a question for their respective camps. Aliev’s latest victory creates an interesting conversation; it does not establish his intentions.

But as fans consider his next chapter, the question is natural: after overcoming Camkiran, would Aliev want another chance against the one opponent he has yet to beat?