By Rick Reeno

Contrary to several reports in the UK, EBU super middleweight champion James DeGale (11-1, 8KOs) of London is NOT being forced to fight in Italy. BoxingScene.com broke the news on Thursday that Round Zero, a promotional outfit based in Italy, submitted the winning amount at the EBU's official purse bid to secure the rights to DeGale's mandatory bout against Cristian Sanavia (45-5-1, 13KOs) of Italy.

Also contrary to various reports, Round Zero is NOT the promoter of Sanavia. OPI 2000, the actual promoter of Sanavia, were present for the purse bid, but their submission was overwhelmed by Round Zero's heavy hand.

Round Zero's bid of 251,414 Euro was much higher than the rest of the competition - Double A. Promotion 160,000 Euro, Frank Warren 140,000 Euro, OPI 2000 101.717 Euro and Hatton Promotions 79.850 Euro. Matchroom Sport had a rep present but rescinded their bid.

BoxingScene was advised that a venue outside of Italy is not being ruled out and every possible option will be explored. Giulio Spagnoli, the man behind Round Zero, has about 10 days to name a date and venue for the fight.