Imam Khataev has drawn comparisons to a more accomplished, well-known Chechen knockout artist during his 3½ years as a pro.

The unbeaten Russian has thudding power, brutalizes opponents to the head and body and rarely stops coming forward. The 2021 Olympic bronze medalist has a lot to prove, however, if he is ever to ascend to the heights former undisputed champion Artrur Beterbiev reached in the light heavyweight division.

That’s precisely why Khataev, who resides and trains in Australia, accepted a fight with David Morrell Jr. Their 10-round light heavyweight bout July 12 will undoubtedly serve as the most difficult test of Khataev’s career.

Morrell-Khataev hasn’t received as much attention as the Shakur Stevenson-William Zepeda or Edgar Berlanga-Hamzah Sheeraz bouts. Their 175-pound showdown still might emerge as the most entertaining action fight among the four on this “Ring III” pay-per-view show at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.

Last fight: Defeated Durval Elias Palacio (14-4, 11 KOs) by unanimous decision in a 10-round match March 22 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.

Odds: Khataev is a plus-350 betting underdog against Morrell (minus-500), according to DraftKings.

How does Khataev win: Khataev tired while going the distance for the first time as a pro against Palacio. He’ll need to be better conditioned to go another 10 rounds with Morrell if necessary. Morrell (11-1, 9 KOs) wasn’t pleased with how he battled David Benavidez because the Cuban southpaw abandoned the game plan trainer Ronnie Shields designed for him and traded too much with the unbeaten WBC light heavyweight champion. Khataev (10-0, 9 KOs) must pressure Morrell similarly and lure him into the types of exchanges that benefited Benavidez in a 12-round bout he won by unanimous decision Feb. 1 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

What it means if he wins: Morrell is one of the most talented fighters in their division, the opponent Benavidez credits for giving him his most difficult fight. Beating Morrell, The Ring’s No. 8 light heavyweight contender, would legitimize the 30-year-old Khataev, who’s ranked No. 10 by The Ring.

What they’re saying: “I need to keep proving myself with this guy. He needs to prove himself, too. That’s why he took this fight with me.” – David Morrell Jr.

TV/Steam: DAZN Pay-Per-View; $59.99 in the U.S. (6 p.m. ET); £24.99 in the UK (11 p.m. GMT).