Badlefthook.com
Artur Beterbiev’s planned matchup with Sullivan Barrera has fallen through for a second time, and as a result, it looks as though Beterbiev will defend his IBF title against #4 Sven Fornling in Stockton on May 4th. Mike Coppinger revealed the date, location, and ESPN broadcast yesterday, with LaPresse releasing what looks to be a more definitive statement on Fornling being the opponent today.
The location appears to be designed to highlight 18-year-old prospect and Stockton native Gabriel Flores Jr., whom LaPresse states will appear on the card.
The IBF doesn’t currently have a #1 or #2 in their light heavyweight rankings, so Fornling (15-1, 7 KO) is actually second from the top behind Dominic Boesel. BoxRec has him ranked 10th in the division, mostly on the strength of his December decision over Karo Murat.
Beterbiev (13-0, 13 KO) has been jawing with Sergey Kovalev on the possibility of a unification bout. One would hope that the plans will still be on the table once this is over.
About Author
More News
Liu Gang, Brico Santig Join Forces
Highland’s Double Impact: August 18 at Lumpinee
Balajadia, Atencio in Action in Thailand