Shavkat Rakhimov (15-0-1, 12 KOs) was unable to capture the IBF super featherweight world title, as he fought Joseph Diaz (31-1-1, 15 KOs) to a twelve round majority draw at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California.

The IBF title became vacant on Friday, when the champion, Diaz, came in 3.6-pounds overweight.

Because of the weighty issue, the world title was only at stake for Rakhimov.

One judge scored the fight 115-113 for Diaz, which was overruled by two scores of 114-114.

As a result of the outcome, the IBF title will remain vacant.

Rakhimov, who had Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach in his corner, started very fast in the first few rounds of the fight. He was coming forward, round after round, and throwing a lot of punches.

Diaz struggled with the weight for this assignment and it took him some time to really get going.

But once he did, Diaz was able to land very accurate punches on the unbeaten boxer.

Rakhimov slowed down as the contest played out in the second half of the encounter - which allowed Diaz to up the pace and press forward with combinations of his own. 

In the aftermath, Rakhimov was not pleased with scorecards. He strongly felt that he had done enough to win.

He plans to return to the gym, fix his mistakes and come back stronger the next time around.

“I did everything I was supposed to do,” said Rakhimov. “Victory was on my side. I feel I won the fight. There were a few mistakes, and we need to work on it. I did everything that was possible. There were a few mistakes, but I will work on that. There is no perfect boxer, and I hope to gain more American fans.”