By Rick Reeno
BoxingScene.com has confirmed that the International Boxing Federation has ordered a final IBF welterweight eliminator between Diego Chaves (23-2-1, 19KOs) of Argentina and Kevin Bizier (24-2, 16KOs) of Canada. The winner would become the mandatory challenger to IBF champion Kell Brook.
A few weeks ago a deal was reached for a final IBF eliminator between Chaves and Devon Alexander, but it appears that Alexander is now going in another direction.
Yvon Michel of GYM, who promotes Bizier, has told BoxingScene that his fighter has already accepted the IBF's invitation to participate in the eliminator. The IBF informed Michel that Chaves and his team have also accepted the eliminator.
"We both have agreed. We agreed and Chaves has agreed. We are going to contact his promoter to try to reach an agreement. We have free negotiations until August 18th," Michel told BoxingScene.com.
If a deal is not reached by August 18th, then a purse bid will be ordered.
There is heavy talk in Argentina and the UK that Chaves might bypass the eliminator and fight Brook on October 24th in Sheffield.
If that happens, Michel says Bizier is willing to fight any contender approved by the IBF. Bizier is ranked at #6 and Chaves at #4. The next in line would be #7 Fredrick Lawson.
"If Chaves does take that opportunity, to fight directly for the title, then if that's the case Bizier is willing to fight whoever the IBF will choose," Michel said.
Chaves was last in action in December, when he fought current WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley to a twelve round draw. Bizier fought in April, winning an eight round decision over Fouad El Massoudi. Prior to that fight, Bizier lost a close decision to Jo Jo Dan, who Brook obliterated earlier this year.