Lucian Bute Will Fight In Canada On April 14, But Not On Showtime
Froch Front Runner For IBF Title Shot!
By Jeff Emond Jeffrey
During a telephone conference earlier today, January 27, Interbox president Jean Bedard confirmed that IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute (30-0-0) will fight in Quebec on April 14, but not on the Showtime network. Since Bute has another fight to be showcased on Showtime PPV, it’s improbable that Interbox will turn to PPV competitor HBO. Nevertheless, Bedard confirmed that Bute will defend his title on Quebec soil, in either Montreal or Quebec City.
Lucian Bute’s trainer Stéphane Larouche stated that Bute will likely defend his belt against former two time WBC super middleweight champion Carl “The Cobra” Froch (28-2-0). It seems Interbox will do everything in their power to make the Bute-Froch fight happen for the Canadian boxing fans. Furthermore, Carl Froch wants to battle Bute and the feeling seems mutual. Unfortunately, Andre Ward (25-0-0) – the winner of the Super Six Tournament – is out of the picture due to an injured right hand. With Ward sidelined, Showtime wanted Bute to fight Andre Dirrell (20-1-0), but Bedard felt the matchup would lack appeal in Canada, where Dirrell is virtually unknown.
With Showtime out of the picture for the April 14 title fight, Bedard and Larouche also said the potential two fight deal between Bute and Froch is off. There will be just one fight between Bute and Froch and it will be in Canada. Bedard informed the Boxing Examiner that Bute-Froch is not a done deal, but negotiations are progressing very well.
Tags:Andre Dirrell, Andre Ward, Carl Froch, Lucian Bute
Filed Under: News Flash
Great stuff Jeff!