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BJ Flores explains Afolabi WBO offer and possible WBC challenge

Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor
Cruiserweight weighs up title chances

American BJ Flores (27-1-1, 17 KO’s) is still hoping to negotiate with highly-ranked cruiserweight rival Ola Afolabi’s promoters K2 about a possible interim WBO title shot on the spring.

The 33 year-old recently received an offer to meet the British-born fighter on March 3rd on the undercard of Klitschko v Mormeck, but needs more time due to hand injuries suffered in his sixth round stoppage win over Hugo Pineda on January 28th.

“I have heard nothing since my statement earlier this week,” Flores told World Boxing News.

“Like I said before, I just fought at the end of last month so to say I have to travel to Germany on 26 days’ notice after just coming out of three fights in the last six months is a little ridiculous.

“I need to rest my hands for at least 14 days according to my hand doctor as I have been very busy lately and that gives me no time to prepare for the March 3rd date.”

Flores may have to look at other options if K2 are intent on finding a suitable foe for Afolabi’s proposed bout at the ESPIRIT Arena in Dusseldorf next month and the 6ft 2ins fighter admitted that he does have other avenues to explore.

“We have been offered an ESPN date in May, along with a possible WBC eliminator if (current champion) Krzystof Wlodarczyk vacates his belt to fight Antonio Tarver in April.

“I personally would prefer fight Afolabi to any of those other options. This fight is for the WBO interim world title and one of the biggest prizes in boxing and all I need is more time to prepare,” added Flores.

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