The World Boxing Organization has ordered negotiations for a mandatory light-heavyweight title clash. Champion Sergey Kovalev will take on stipulated challenger Anthony Yarde.
Kovalev and Yarde have long been linked to facing each other. The WBO moved to make the fight official if both parties agree on terms.
If not, a purse bid will be ordered for mid-April.
The WBO released a statement on their commitment to making the bout happen. Promoters Kathy Duva and Frank Warren were informed of the details.
From: Luis Batista Salas, Esq. Chairman WBO Championship Committee
TO: KATHY DUVA – MAIN EVENTS PROMOTIONS. FRANK WARREN – QUEENSBERRY PROMOTIONSRe: WBO Light Heavyweight Championship. Sergey Kovalev vs. Anthony Yarde
Gentlemen:
Please be advised the parties have thirty (30) days upon receipt of this letter to negotiate. To reach an agreement regarding the WBO Light Heavyweight Championship Contest between Sergey Kovalev and Anthony Yarde.
If an accord is not reached within the time frame set forth herein. A Purse Bid will be ordered. Pursuant with the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.
The minimum acceptable bid for the WBO Light Heavyweight Division is $300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Dollars).
Any of the parties involved may request a purse bid procedure at any time during the negotiation process.
Yours truly,
Luis Batista Salas, Esq.
Cc: Francisco Valcárcel, Esq. (WBO President)
Russian puncher Kovalev heads in the encounter having regained his belt in a revenge victory over Eleider Alvarez.
TREADING WATER
A trilogy had been mentioned. Although Yarde has been patient. Yarde finally will get his opportunity.
The Briton has effectively been treading water. Kovalev and Alvarez had to sort out their differences.
Yarde stopped Travis Reeves earlier this month. The fifth round ending pushed Yarde to an impressive 18th career triumph.
Prior to the Reeves fight, Yarde had been criticized in some quarters for the quality of his opponents.
The 27 year-old now steps up to face one of the best in the division. Yarde begins a huge underdog.
More details will be revealed in the coming weeks as serious discussions get underway.
