Kessler-Steiglitz: Talks Continue, WBO Deadline Looms
Jul 18, 2011 • 4:27 AM ET
By Ruslan Chikov
The negotiations continue to finalize an agreement for an October clash between Mikkel Kessler and WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz. The two sides are close to a deal, but are having some trouble reaching and agreement on where the fight is going to take place. Kessler, the mandatory challenger, would like the fight in Denmark, while Stieglitz wants to stage the battle in Germany.
"We are close to an agreement. We do not yet know where the fight is going to take place, but I expect that we are going to have a final agreement later this week. The negotiations have been very tough," said Kessler's promoter, Kalle Sauerland of Sauerland Event.
The WBO's deadline for negotiations have passed and unless an agreement is reached in the near future, the fight could head to a purse bid. Sauerland asked for an extension fromm the WBO, who granted him additional time. The two camps have until the middle of next week to reach an agreement or the WBO will order a purse bid.
