Getting closer to the eliminator fight for the title of mandatory IBF light heavyweight contender – yesterday both contenders agreed to participate in the qualifying match.
Last week, the IBF ordered an eliminator between age ex-world champion Jean Pascal (36-6-1, 20 KOs) from Canada and British prospect, Olympic medalist Joshua Buatsi (16-0, 13 KOs). They must determine the mandatory challenger for unified division champion Russian Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs).
Previously, it would have been almost impossible to make such a fight due to the conflict between promoters and broadcasters – Buatsi performs at
streaming DAZN at Eddie HearnMatchroom Boxing), and Pascal previously boxed on TV channels Showtime | Fox at Al HaymonRVS).
In December 2019, Pascal defended the WBA World belt from the encroachments of the Swede Badu Jack, but then failed a doping test. The result of the fight remained unchanged, but the Canadian boxer received a long disqualification and lost the title.
In May 2022, Pascal resumed his career and as part of the show from Gary Jonas (Pro Box Promotions) and unexpectedly defeated the favorite Fanlong Meng from China, who for a long time was the mandatory contender from the IBF, but did not manage to take a chance – first the fight was disrupted by covid, then problems with a visa.
Looks like Buatsi vs Pascal will take place on DAZN as part of the show from Hearn. It is possible that the veteran will have to agree that his fee will be less – in the case of promotional bidding, 60% of the prize fund will go to the Briton, who is higher in the rating (position No. 3).
Pascal occupies only the 6th position, but there are two fighters above him who are already occupied – Briton Anthony Yarde will fight Beterbiev in October in the status of a mandatory challenger from the WBO, and Mexican Gilberto Ramirez also in the status of a mandatory challenger expects to fight the WBA Super champion Russian Dmitry Bivol.
Previously, Pascal stated: I said that Bivol would beat Canelo, but I fell for the hype, and Ramirez makes formidable promises: “I will take everything from Bivol.”
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