By Rick Reeno
Bernd Boente, manager of WBO/IBF/WBA/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (62-3, 52KOs), has confirmed that the International Boxing Federation has approved the request by Team Klitschko to modify the purse bid split to 80-20, in favor of the champion, with respect to the mandatory obligation to undefeated challenger Kubrat Pulev (20-0, 11KOs). The usual split is 75-25 in favor of the champion.
Klitschko's preference is to face WBC champion Bermane Stiverne, but apparently the newly crowned champion is experiencing some promotional issues with Don King, and the WBC has ordered Stiverne to face his mandatory Deontay Wilder.
"Wladimir thanks the IBF President Darryl Peoples and the [IBF's] board of directors for supporting him and changing the split to 80-20, and showing their respect. Wladimir will be making the 17th defense of the IBF title in his next fight, whether it's Pulev or Stiverne - it doesn't matter," Boente told BoxingScene.com.
