US-based promoter Top Rank won the call for tenders for the IBF lightweight heavyweight show between Russian’s Artur Beterbiev and Germany’s Enrico Kolling on Tuesday.
Top Rank won the bid with a $ 315,000 bet, easily beating Suerland, the developer of Kolling which was only $ 80,000, according to report.
According to report, GYM did not take part in this invitation to tender and also does not intend to comment on the situation since the Russian organization and boxer are currently at the heart of a contractual dispute.
A little less than two weeks ago, GYM announced the cancellation of the same fight that the group had to organise with Sauerland. Promoter Yvon Michael then explained that Beterbiev’s visa application to fight in the United Stated had been refused.
The next day, Berebiev summoned the press to say that the stock had canceled because he refused to drop his lawsuit against the Canadian promoter. Last May, the Russian boxer addressed the court to obtain the end of his contract. But the case has still not been heard so far.
Betrbiev and Kolling are likely to fight at the end of October on the American network ESPN in the semi-finals of one Gala show featuring WBO super bantamweight champion Jessie Magdaleno and Cesar Suarez.
The winner of the Beterbiev and Kolling fight will then become an aspirant to unified champion WBA, IBF and WBO Andre Ward.
Top Rank’s decision to obtain the rights to this shock may seem surprising, as the company does not represent either of the two boxers, but recently signed an agreement with ESPN for the presentation of 7 galas by the end of the year.
Enrico Kolling (L) confirmed he will face Arthur Beterbiev at the end of October. (Source:www.gettyimages.com)
Speaking to ESPN sports media, Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti claimed that Ward, Gvozdyk and Beterbiev are the best light heavyweight currently.
“We won a purse bid. We think [unified titleholder] Andre Ward is the best light heavyweight in the world and right behind him are [top Rank-promoted Oleksandr] Gvozdyk and Beterbiev,” Morreti said.
“And to have the opportunity to showcase both of those guys on this platform, ESPN in the upcoming weeks and months is great.” he added.
