By Igor Lazorin, tass

Denis Shafikov will get his third opportunity to fight for a world title, when he goes for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) lightweight belt against undefeated champion Robert Easter Jr. on June 30 in beltholder's backyard of Toledo.

The director of Ural Box Promotion, Alexey Vasiliev, confirmed that this boxer has signed the contract and is preparing to join his coach, Abel Sanchez, in Big Bear, California.

"Denis has signed a contract, the fight will take place on June 30 in the United States. Right now he is preparing for camp with Abel Sanchez," said Vasilyev.

This will be Shafikov's third attempt to claim the IBF title. He lost a decision to Miguel Vázquez in February 2014, and then lost another decision to Cuba's Rances Barthelemy in December 2015.

Shafikov was able to secure another opportunity by winning a tough decision in a final eliminator over Richard Commey last December in Russia. Easter captured the vacant belt by winning a twelve round war with Commey earlier that year, and then retained the title with a dominant win over Luis Cruz.

Shafikov has a record of 38 wins (20 by knockout), two defeats and one draw. Easter has a perfect record in place with 19 wins (14 by knockouts) and no losses.