Having refereed over 450 pro bouts, England’s Terry O’Connor will be the right man to take charge when Kevin Lerena puts his IBO cruiserweight belt on the line against Roman Golovashchenko in Azerbaijan later this month.

The IBO recently confirmed its officials for Lerena’s second title defence, which will be supervised by Philippe Verbeke.

O’Connor has a wealth of experienced and in recent years has handled big fights involving George Groves, Joseph Parker, Martin Murray and Ricky Burns, among others.

In the event of judges being required, the duties will fall to Dave Parris (UK), Matteo Montella (Italy) and Giulio Piras (Italy).

Parris, a former pro boxer himself, has judged almost 600 fights, most recently officiating in the controversial Vincent Feigenbutz-Ryno Liebenberg bout. He also did duty in the Errol Spence-Kell Brook bout.

The Italian pair, meanwhile, are also experienced officials having worked big fights for the like of Kevin Johnson, Isaac Dogboe and Anthony Yarde. Interestingly, Piras was on hand for Tommy Oosthuizen’s recent defeat to Igor Mikhalkin.

“As they are neutral officials, I have no complaints,” said Rodney Berman. “Kevin is already in great shape and I expect him to produce the goods as he always does.”

IN OTHER NEWS: Tough Russian Igor Selivanov now stands in Rowan Campbell’s way of the IBO Youth belt after Campbell’s previous opponent, Andrii Velykovskiy of Ukraine, got cold feet.

The South African will take the step up in June when he contests his first championship belt after just six fights.

Selivanov (11-2) fits the bill perfectly. His record is solid and what stands out is a 2015 win over former world champion Kassim Ouma in just his ninth fight, two of the judges scoring it a shutout for the Russian.

“I spoke to our Russian agent, who says Rowan could be in for a long night,” said promoter Rodney Berman. “He’s rampaged his way through six fights, so it is time to step it up.”

Campbell looked excellent in his last outing against Masixole Botile, but he could do with more rounds under his belt, which looks certain against the East European, whose two losses have been over the distance.