By Luke Furman
Promoter Yvon Michel of GYM was forced to postpone his planned event that was scheduled for January 27 at the Videotron Quebec Centre in Canada.
The card was going to be headlined by WBC light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson.
But there appears to be a conflict with Showtime and Premier Boxing Champions - who plan to stage another event on that particular date.
BoxingScene.com reported two weeks ago that a lightweight unification between Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter was being targeted for January 27 on Showtime - creating the obvious conflict for Stevenson to see action on the same date.
"It is the date that Showtime and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) initially asked me to negotiate, but it seems that they have other plans," said Michel to RDS.
"After lengthy discussions with the network and Al Haymon (president of PBC), we chose to postpone the fight. For the fight to take place on January 27, we needed to start promoting this week and for tickets to go on sale Saturday. Because this was not possible, we decided to postpone."
Michel immediately turned toward the Videotron Center, who suggested three dates for Stevenson, in February and March.
But who will Stevenson (29-1, 24 KOs) face?
His mandatory for the last two years has been Eleider Alvarez, who like Stevenson is promoted by Michel and advised by Haymon.
Alvarez (23-0, 11 KOs) believes the fight is not going to happen, with Stevenson instead facing Badou Jack.
Michel makes it clear that Stevenson is not capable of facing anyone outside of his mandatory - unless Alvarez agrees to step aside.
The Canadian promoter will be sending Alvarez several offers this weekend, with several scenarios (including Stevenson), and then it will be up to Alvarez to make a decision.
"There will be absolutely nothing without Eleider agreeing to it. I am submitting offers to Stéphane Lépine (the manager of Alvarez) this weekend. Now, as the promoter of Eleider, I will explain the offers to him, but I would recommend what is best for the whole of his career, not just for one fight. But whatever offer Alvarez chooses, I will support him 100 percent," Michel said.
"Ultimately, what I want, are the best deals for my two boxers. That's what I'll make sure to get them."
Luke Furman covers boxing for bokser.org.