DeGale’s promoter Eddie Hearn had been attempting to entice Dirrell over to the UK to face his fighter for the vacant IBF belt in London, although negotiations are now at a standstill.
IBF spokesperson Jeanette Salazar has moved to explain the situation as an inevitable purse bid was called to decide the contest.
“On February 3, 2015, the IBF ordered #1 ranked Super Middleweight contender James DeGale and #2 ranked Super Middleweight contender Andre Dirrell to begin negotiations for the vacant IBF Super Middleweight title,” Salazar told World Boxing News.
“The IBF received written certification on February 26, 2015, from Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport on behalf of James DeGale indicating that they were no longer willing to negotiate and requested an immediate Purse Bid in compliance with rule 10.A. of the IBF Rules Governing Championship Contests.
“Therefore, the IBF is calling for Purse Bids to be held at the IBF office in Springfield, NJ on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 12 Noon. Bids must be submitted by 11:45 AM and will be promptly opened at 12 Noon.”
Dirrell seems unwilling to agree to face DeGale on his home patch after losing out to the Londoner’s stablemate Carl Froch when challenging for the WBC belt in Nottingham six years ago.
The American may now attempt to force DeGale’s hand on a US contest, which could in turn mean a delay of the mandatory encounter until the summer.
