The IBF steps forward with another ordering; this time for Canelo Alvarez!
The IBF strikes again! While we are on the cusp of having another undisputed champion, the organization orders unified middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez to face Sergiy Derevyanchenko next instead!
Canelo is coming off a master performance against former champion Daniel Jacobs that took place over Cinco de Mayo weekend. After the fight, Golden Boy Promotions was already contemplating their next move.
They released a list of names as potential opponents. Several fighters were throwing their names into the pot including former WBO champion Billy Joe Saunders and current WBA Super middleweight super champion Calum Smith, hoping to get the Canelo golden ticket.
Even on social media, there were polls as to who should be next. Then of course there is the twenty-million dollar offer to IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence. However, with this surprise announcement, the IBF has put a halt to any and all speculation.
Derevyanchenko is coming off a victory against former WBA regular champion Jack Culcay in April. He’s also a former title contender who competed for the then-vacant IBF belt against Daniel Jacobs in 2018. This is a second opportunity at the highest prize in boxing against it’s biggest star!
Team Golden Boy does have some options. They could appeal to the sanctioning body and ask for a exemption or pay step-aside money to make another unification bout. However, the IBF takes their orderings very seriously. They have no problem stripping a champion regardless of who is holding it their belt.
As this is an interesting story, 3kingsboxing will continue to monitor it for further developments.
By: Garrisson Bland
