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Home » Exclusive: Sauerland says Dirrell wants WBC voluntary extension

Exclusive: Sauerland says Dirrell wants WBC voluntary extension

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Kalle Sauerland has exclusively updated WBN on the situation regarding fighter George Groves and his impending mandatory shot at WBC super-middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell.

Groves, 26, won the right to challenge Dirrell by defeating Christopher Rebrasse for the vacant Silver title last September and has been patiently waiting for news of the American’s next move ever since.

Dirrell is yet to complete a voluntary defense since overthrowing Sakio Bika last August to claim his maiden world title. However, Sauerland is confident that time has now run out for the Michigan fighter to do so.

Kalle Sauerland

“The WBC confirmed to us last autumn that Dirrell would be permitted to fight a voluntary,” Sauerland told World Boxing News.

“We were told that the fight should take place before the end of 2014 as Dirrell won the title in August, giving him four and a half months to complete a voluntary. George fought and won twice in half that time to keep George active after winning the Silver belt against Rebrasse. We chose to take a tune-up in Liverpool in November.

“We did not want to place George in another main event bout. The WBC had informed us that the Dirrell fight would happen directly after his voluntary, which must occur by the end of 2014.

“We understand that Dirrell still wants to fight a voluntary five months after winning the belt, but under the rules and orders of the WBC, this is not possible.

“We hope to hear from the WBC this week to move forward in what would be a great fight for fans on both sides of the Atlantic.

Dirrell vs Groves

“The WBC, as always, is handling the situation very professionally and is looking at the facts in the timeline.

“We have all faith that the rules will be applied and that this fight between George and Dirrell can now happen,” he added.

Champion Dirrell has been dismissive of facing Groves in the past as the 30 year-old plots his first move with the green belt in his possession, although he could be forced to negotiate with the Briton, having gone so much time without setting up a contest.

The likelihood is that the WBC will act to make sure Groves is given his mandated shot at Dirrell by the summer. However, ‘The Saint’ faces the prospect of a daunting trip to the United States in his bid to finally become world champion for the third time of asking.

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