Jake would probably be able to answer this best but i assume there is no concrete answer. Lots of legalities to work out etc. (We've heard Mayweather has one with Mosley, but this thread isn't about them in particular) Fighter A) has a rematch clause with fighter B) Fighter B) wins Fighter A) wants the rematch, and will take any next available date. They refuse any "step aside" money. If fighter B) goes ahead and signs to fight somebody else, what are fighter A)'s options? Can they legally stop the fight from happening, or do they have to sue afterward and try to claim a monetary loss/breach of contract?
It would be nearly impossible to find anyone willing to breach the contract. There are to many people involved that would lose money. Rahman damned sure didn't want to fight LL again and would have done anything imaginable to avoid it. It was unavoidable. They have that crap down airtight.
I figured that might be the case if the guy holding the clause absolutey demands the rematch. I don't recall a case of it ever being breached so i assume they must be pretty iron clad. I know this is another hypothetical question, but how much would it matter where the fight took place? What if Rahman decided to fight Tyson (or anybody else) in Beijing, Seoul or Cairo?
Why would you fight when you are very likely to lose your whole purse for the breach? Your promoter/corner noone would side with you because they know its straight up wrong and are just as aware of repercussions. Because you were going to breach it COULD NOT be a Title fight. NOONE would recognize you as any sort of champ and you would read nothing but bad things about yourself. I just don't see it happening in boxing.
