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Chilemba & Barrera Both
Accept
Light Heavyweight Eliminator Bouts
Last week Isaac "Golden Boy" Chilemba (24-2-2, 10 KOs) had
the very rare privilege of choosing between two mandatory
offers: one from the WBC and the other from the IBF. The
28-year old from Malawi opted to take the offer from the
WBC. Shortly thereafter, the IBF extended the mandatory
fight offer to Main Events' stablemate Sullivan Barrera
(16-0, 11 KOs), the 33-year old Cuban defector.
Yesterday, Chilemba formally accepted the the WBC
elimination bout against Eleider "Storm" Alvarez (18-0, 10
KOs) of Apartado, Colombia and Yvon Michel, Alvarez's
promoter, formally accepted for Alvarez. The winner of this
fight will be poised as the WBC's mandatory challenger in
the light heavyweight division and will have their shot at
current WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion, Adonis
"Superman" Stevenson (26-1, 21 KOs).
Regarding Alvarez, Chilemba said, "I'm very happy that he
accepted that challenge. I'm not taking Alvarez lightly, he
is a good fighter all round. I know he wants to be a
champion himself, unfortunately not this time as this is my
time. By the time we meet, I'll be 100% ready and, even
though my mind is fully focused on the present opportunity,
it brings me closer to that WBC championship I have been
working so hard to get to. Just that is what will drive me
into leaving nothing to chance when I face Alvarez. I really
appreciate the great work of my team getting me where I am
today."
His manager, Jodi Solomon added, "I want to thank Alvarez
and his team for accepting the fight. Isaac has wanted this
opportunity for the longest time and I believe with Buddy [McGirt]
in his corner, nothing will be left to chance. Thank you
also to Main Events for helping to get Isaac this
opportunity."
Last week, Barrera formally accepted his offer from the IBF
to face Artur Beterbiev (9-0, 9 KOs) for the mandatory
position in the IBF. The winner will face WBO, WBA and IBF
Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev
(28-0-1, 25 KOs).
An eager Barrera said, "I'm excited to finally get my
opportunity. I'm looking forward to the fight. I don't know
anything about Beterbiev. Only thing I know is to get to the
top I have to beat him. Looking forward to the opportunity."
Sullivan is trained by world renowned trainer, Abel Sanchez,
who is best known for training current IBF and WBA
Middleweight World Champion Gennady "GGG" Golovkin. When
asked about this opportunity, Sanchez replied, "Warriors
understand greatness is only reached when you challenge
yourself. Sullivan Barrera is a warrior wanting to be
champion and knows that fighting the perceived best is the
fastest way to your dreams coming true."
Main Events CEO, Kathy Duva, who promotes Chilemba, Barrera
and Kovalev, said, "We've been focused on the light
heavyweight division for the past few years. I'm delighted
that so many of our efforts are paying off at the same time
and that Isaac and Sullivan are finally getting the
opportunities that they've earned and have been waiting for.
Yvon (Michel, who promotes both Beterbiev and Alvarez) and I
have a lot to talk about! I've reached out for him and
expect that we'll begin negotiations over the weekend."
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