The German four-time world champion, who recently lost his title to Sam Soliman on home soil, was handed the opportunity to head straight into a bout that could earn a rematch – although Sturm was unable to accept the offer.
Stevens, an ex-world title challenger, is now set to face former WBO belt holder Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam for the coveted number one spot, with more details on the negotiations to be revealed in due course.
“I can confirm that Felix Sturm is out and the new eliminator consists of Curtis Stevens and Hassan N’Dam,” Tucker explained to World Boxing News.
New champion Soliman has had a target on his back ever since taking Sturm’s red belt with apparent ease last month in Krefeld, Germany as fighter’s queue round the block to challenge the aging Australian.
The 40 year-old has already been linked to fights with Matthew Macklin, Martin Murray, Sergio Mora and compatriot Anthony Mundine as the ‘King’ himself eyes a possible unification against the winner of Golovkin v Geale.
At the moment, Soliman is taking a well earned break after his title-winning exploits and may well choose a defence in September down under, before taking on the winner of Stevens v N’Dam if all sides agree terms.
Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay for tweets of upcoming news on WBN
