08-03-2017, 09:21 AM
WBC Trying To Reach Agreement Between Wilder, Ortiz, Stiverne
By Miguel Rivera
World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman is trying hard to work out a deal that accommodates all of the involved parties in the ongoing tug of war for the WBC heavyweight title.
As first reported on BoxingScene.com, WBC heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs) is hoping to have a fall showdown with undefeated contender Luis Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs). The fight is being targeted for November 4th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
But there is a big problem hanging overhead, as back in February the WBC ordered Wilder to make a mandatory defense against Bermane Stiverne. Wilder won the title from Stiverne in January 2015.
Wilder, who wants to scheduled a fight as soon as possible, has been out of the ring since scoring a stoppage win over previously undefeated Gerald Washington, on February 25 in Birmingham’s Legacy Arena.
According to Wilder's team, because of Stiverne's inactivity and Wilder's prior one-sided win - none of the major TV network are interested in televising the rematch.
There is also concern from Wilder's camp, after the WBC announced last month that Stiverne missed a drug test for performance enhancing drugs, as mandated by the sanctioning body as part of their Clean Boxing Program in association with The Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA).
VADA, which oversees the WBC's testing program, counts a missed test as a failed drug test.
BoxingScene reported that Stiverne hired the experienced management team of James Prince and attorney Josh Dubin to ensure that he secures his right to a world title fight.
Stiverne (25-2-1, 21 KOs) has been out of the ring since November 2015, when he got off the floor to win a ten round decision over Derric Rossy.
"We are talking with the members of all the teams, and hope that we can reach a friendly agreement that does not affect anyone," said Sulaiman to ESPN Deportes.
By Miguel Rivera
World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman is trying hard to work out a deal that accommodates all of the involved parties in the ongoing tug of war for the WBC heavyweight title.
As first reported on BoxingScene.com, WBC heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs) is hoping to have a fall showdown with undefeated contender Luis Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs). The fight is being targeted for November 4th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
But there is a big problem hanging overhead, as back in February the WBC ordered Wilder to make a mandatory defense against Bermane Stiverne. Wilder won the title from Stiverne in January 2015.
Wilder, who wants to scheduled a fight as soon as possible, has been out of the ring since scoring a stoppage win over previously undefeated Gerald Washington, on February 25 in Birmingham’s Legacy Arena.
According to Wilder's team, because of Stiverne's inactivity and Wilder's prior one-sided win - none of the major TV network are interested in televising the rematch.
There is also concern from Wilder's camp, after the WBC announced last month that Stiverne missed a drug test for performance enhancing drugs, as mandated by the sanctioning body as part of their Clean Boxing Program in association with The Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA).
VADA, which oversees the WBC's testing program, counts a missed test as a failed drug test.
BoxingScene reported that Stiverne hired the experienced management team of James Prince and attorney Josh Dubin to ensure that he secures his right to a world title fight.
Stiverne (25-2-1, 21 KOs) has been out of the ring since November 2015, when he got off the floor to win a ten round decision over Derric Rossy.
"We are talking with the members of all the teams, and hope that we can reach a friendly agreement that does not affect anyone," said Sulaiman to ESPN Deportes.