By Rick Reeno
Gary Shaw has advised BoxingScene.com that a deal is likely for a WBC heavyweight eliminator between Bryant Jennings (18-0, 10 KOs) and Mike Perez (20-0-1, 12 KOs), and the fight is targeted for May 24th on HBO. The network's date was previously occupied by Adonis Stevenson vs. Andrzej Fonfara, which is now taking place on Showtime.
The winner of Jennings-Perez will fall in line for a WBC title shot. The belt is currently vacant after Vitali Klitschko dropped the strap to focus on his political career. Chris Arreola and Bermane Stiverne will battle for the vacant belt in an ESPN televised fight on May 10th. The winner will have to face mandatory challenger Deontay Wilder, and then the winner of Jennings-Perez will get their mandatory crack.
Jennings is coming off an impressive ten round TKO of Artur Szpilka, which took place on HBO on January 24th. A week earlier, on HBO, Perez fought to a lackluster ten round draw with Carlos Takam.
No word on the co-feature, although several potential fights have been whispered around in the boxing circles, including Curtis Stevens vs. Matthew Macklin.
"I have no idea about the co-feature. I have heard several potential fights and fighters being kicked around. My focus is on finalizing Jennings vs. Perez and I expect to get that done," Shaw told BoxingScene.com.
