Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
Despite recent reports to the contrary, world super-middleweight champion Carl Froch can take up one of many options for his next bout, according to chief IBF spokesperson and friend of WBN Jeanette Salazar.
The 35 year-old, who was recently named WBN Reader’s Fighter of the Year for 2012, has been constantly linked with a unification clash with WBA title holder Mikkel Kessler and more recently - a mandatory defence against Canadian Adonis Stevenson.
Although speculation is rife that Froch will be forced to fight Stevenson, the IBF have assured WBN that the Nottingham fighter can pick or choose from any of the current 168lb belt holders before he has to fulfil his obligations to the organisation.
“Froch will not be bypassing Stevenson,” explained Salazar, who assured WBN that ‘Superman’ remains next in line. “Despite this, Froch can fight Kessler because it would be a unification bout and unifications take precedence over a mandatory.
“Whatever happens though his mandatory remains the same and after any ensuing contest, Stevenson will still be the IBF challenger.
“Regarding Froch vs Kessler, all the conditions have not been set yet and we have not received all the pertinent information regarding the bout.
“Once we do get this information, then the conditions will be set forth and all should become more clear.”
Southpaw Stevenson, 35, and experienced promoter Yvon Michel are set to make a statement on the unbeaten fighter’s next move in the next 24 hours when both hold a press conference to clear up the situation in Canada.
WBN Editor
Unification overshadows mandatory
Despite recent reports to the contrary, world super-middleweight champion Carl Froch can take up one of many options for his next bout, according to chief IBF spokesperson and friend of WBN Jeanette Salazar.
The 35 year-old, who was recently named WBN Reader’s Fighter of the Year for 2012, has been constantly linked with a unification clash with WBA title holder Mikkel Kessler and more recently - a mandatory defence against Canadian Adonis Stevenson.
Although speculation is rife that Froch will be forced to fight Stevenson, the IBF have assured WBN that the Nottingham fighter can pick or choose from any of the current 168lb belt holders before he has to fulfil his obligations to the organisation.
“Froch will not be bypassing Stevenson,” explained Salazar, who assured WBN that ‘Superman’ remains next in line. “Despite this, Froch can fight Kessler because it would be a unification bout and unifications take precedence over a mandatory.
“Whatever happens though his mandatory remains the same and after any ensuing contest, Stevenson will still be the IBF challenger.
“Regarding Froch vs Kessler, all the conditions have not been set yet and we have not received all the pertinent information regarding the bout.
“Once we do get this information, then the conditions will be set forth and all should become more clear.”
Southpaw Stevenson, 35, and experienced promoter Yvon Michel are set to make a statement on the unbeaten fighter’s next move in the next 24 hours when both hold a press conference to clear up the situation in Canada.