Hernandez vs. Braithwaite, Abraham vs. Ayala-Stream

Steve Kim is reporting that Abraham is likely to fight Giovanni Lorenzo (WBC #1, IBF #4, WBO #11) this summer in Germany instead.

Main Events is apparently pushing hard for this fight.

 

So Lorenzo is ranked #4 by the IBF, never fought an eliminator, never fought anyone good, but suddenly is a mandatory. Only in boxing.

 

I liked Lorenzo but the way he has been handled would make John Duddy blush

 

It appears to be confirmed now, from Fightnews:

IBF orders Abraham-Lorenzo!
Sauerland Event, promoter of IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham, has begun discussions with Warriors Boxing about a rematch against Edison Miranda in Abraham's planned June invasion of the United States. However, it appears Abraham will likely be facing undefeated mandatory challenger Giovanni Lorenzo instead. "The IBF has sent a letter to Abraham's promoter and to my promoter (Main Events) that negotiations must begin immediately for his mandatory defense against me," said Lorenzo. "I've been waiting a long time for this title opportunity and I'm not going to let politics in boxing screw me out of chance. I thank the IBF very much for supporting me." Below are the contents of the IBF letter to Abraham dated March 31:


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Dear Champion Arthur Abraham:

Congratulations on your win over challenger Elvin Ayala on Saturday night, March 29, 2008, in Kiel, Germany. We wish you all the best for a long and illustrious career as IBF Middleweight Champion. As you know, you were due to be notified of your mandatory on March 18, 2008. The leading available contender is #4 Giovanni Lorenzo. Negotiations must start immediately and be concluded by April 30, 2008. Lorenzo is represented by Main Events and they can be contacted at XXX-XXX-XXXX. Once again congratulations and, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the IBF/USBA office.

Sincerely,
Lindsey E. Tucker, Jr.
Championship Chairman IBF/USBA

 

Yay, good Arab ham, proud German warrior that he is, continually seeks out the toughest challenges :bears:

 

It´s okay. I checked my brand new Calzaghe wristwatch and it says: Still eight years left till an important fight.

 

Apart from the Hopkins one this month, which is better than all of Arab ham's opponents combined :tease:

 

You're getting that Abraham was looking for the Miranda rematch and the IBF ordered Lorenzo, right?