By Ben Jacobs
A couple of weeks ago, Jorge Salom, manager of International Boxing Federation [IBF] number one contender Jose ‘Bolivita’ Uzcategui (26-1, 22 KOs), tweeted that his charge would be fighting Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) in April for said organisation’s super middleweight title.
Further reports from Latin America emerged that the champion James DeGale (23-1-1, 14 KOs) is injured and for that reason the Venezuelan and the American would compete for the belt.
BoxingScene.com now understands from sources involved that the bout between Uzcategui and Dirrell will actually be an eliminator with a view to the winner fighting DeGale.
This website previously contacted Uzcátegui in an attempt to clarify the uncertainty who said he was told that the Londoner is injured and, “I now have to face another opponent for the title.”
Indeed, curiously Uzcategui’s own official website produced a news item on the apparent clash with Dirrell for the belt.
Nevertheless, an IBF spokesperson confirmed to BoxingScene.com that the title had not been vacated. Indeed, Eddie Hearn told iFL TV a few days ago that DeGale had a small surgery on his septum and has asked for a medical exception.
DeGale suffered the injury in question (among others) during last month's twelve round draw with WBC champion Badou Jack at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
