Oddly Enough Stevenson Once Again Avoids Mandatory
3KingsBoxing.com has learned that mandatory challenger Eleider Alvarez will once again accept a step-aside fee and allow WBC light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson to take another voluntary defense. Rumors have circulated for a few months nowthat Stevenson was likely to face former super middleweight champion Badou Jack.
Stevenson has not fought a mandatory opponent since 2013 when faced Tony Bellew. Both Stevenson and Alvarez are promoted GYM. “Superman” hasn’t expressed much interest in facing Alvarez and has said nobody cares for that fight.
Alvarez’s manager Stephane Lepine told a Montreal radio station earlier today they could have forced the fight but they financial package wasn’t what they thought it should be:
“Eleider could have forced Adonis to fight him, but the amount of money he was being offered for this fight was minimal,” Lepine said.
“We’re always getting the excuse that Showtime is not interested in Alvarez. What was important for us was that Elder can make enoughmoney to feed his family. And I have confirmation from the WBC that if he does not get his chance at the belt, it could automatically be taken away from the champion.”
According to reports, for stepping asideAlvarezwasoffereda multi-fightdealwithsix-figure guaranteesfrom GYM.
“In return we are given the luxury of being able to choose our own opponent. It’s important for us that it’s a well-known opponent, otherwise Showtime will not show it on TV. And we do not want to be told that Showtime is not interested.”
“What I find unfortunate is that currently Eleider is not focused on his career, he is more stressed and anxious by everything that happens with him. With this contract in his pocket, I hope he will have his peace of mind and can invest 100% in what he has to do in boxing.”
By: Chris Henderson
You can follow Chris on Twitter @4CornersBoxin
Email: [email protected]
