By Osman Rodriguez

Per the request of promoter Dan Goossen, who handles heavyweight Tony Thompson (36-2, 24KOs), the IBF has scheduled a purse bid for the mandatory fight with IBF/WBA/IBO/WBO champion Wladimir Klitschko (57-3, 50KOs). The purse bid will take place on March 27th at 12 Noon, at the IBF's offices in Springfield, New Jersey. Under Rule 10.E, Klitschko’s camp requested a change in the purse bid split. The majority of the IBF's board of directors voted for an 85% split for Klitschko, with the remaining 15% going to Thompson.

The fight us a rematch of their 2009 encounter, which Klitschko won by knockout in the eleventh round.