Fuzile’s opponent for IBF world title eliminator confirmed
English boxer Martin Ward has been officially confirmed as the opponent Azinga Fuzile will fight in a junior lightweight world title eliminator.
This was revealed in a letter from the IBF, sent to both camps this week.
The Dispatch had previously reported that Ward, who is rated fourth in the division, would likely be mandated to contest the elimination bout against fifth-ranked Fuzile.
This comes after original opponent Kenichi Ogawa, of Japan, was mandated to contest the vacant IBF title against Tajikistan-born Russian Shavkat Rakhimov.
The title became vacant after Joseph Diaz forfeited it on the scales ahead of his mandatory defence against Rakhimov in the US last weekend.
The pair fought to a draw, rendering the crown unoccupied. Rakhimov had earned the title shot after knocking out Fuzile in eight rounds in an eliminator in East London in September 2019.
With the boxers to contest the title decided, IBF’S next step was to determine the mandatory challenger spot.
“Yes, we received correspondence from the IBF regarding Fuzile’s availability for a title eliminator,” promoter Nomfesane Nyathela of Rumble Africa Promotions (Rap) said.
“We have already indicated that we will take the offer.”
Ward’s promoter Eddie Hearn was quoted by international media confirming their availability for the fight.
The two camps will be given 30 days to reach an agreement regarding promotional rights. Should they fail, purse bids will be called. Hearn is one the world’s most powerful promoters and handles several world champions, including world heavyweight holder Anthony Joshua. He has a deal with major network DAZN that streams his tournaments worldwide.
With Joshua scheduled to face Tyson Fury in a blockbuster world unification clash on a date yet to be decided, the Fuzile-ward clash may just land on that card, offering the Duncan Village fighter huge exposure. But Nyatela declined to say if they would allow Hearn to promote the fight himself.
“It will depend on how negotiations proceed,” she said.
“Remember we are also capable of organising the fight as we did when Fuzile fought Rakhimov.
Ward, 29, has 24 wins, a loss and two draws in his 27 fights, while Fuzile’s loss to Rakhimov was his first in 15 bouts.
The Duncan Village southpaw, 24, has been inactive since his loss to Rakhimov, while Ward last fought in February 2020 when he beat Mexican Jesus Amparan.
The Brit is generally regarded as a less formidable foe than the powerful Rakhimov as he has stopped just 11 of his opponents. Fuzile, who has stopped eight opponents, enters the fight as the more powerful puncher.