By Richard Cloutier
According to a statement issued by the Senegalese Press Agency (SPA), the Minister of International Cooperation, Air Transport, Infrastructure and Energy - Karim Wade - said that he made a decision to accompany Souleymane Mbaye, the interim-world welterweight champion under the WBA, in order to assist the fighter with his willingness to defend his title in Dakar in the first quarter of next year.
If you recall, Mbaye (39-3-1) got his hands on the interim WBA welterweight, defeating Canadian Antonin Decarie (24-1-0) by unanimous decision in a battle fought at Palais des Sports Marcel Cerdan, Levallois-Perret. However, the contract agreed upon by both sides clearly stipulates that in the event of defeat, Mbaye has to give Decarie a rematch. Mbaye had the option of making a defense of the interim crown within three months of the win [May 28] before facing Decarie again. He never exercised the option.
"We talked about our common desire to hold a major championship fight in Dakar, like the world title bout that was held in 1974 in Zaire between Muhammad Ali and George Forman," said Mbaye. "The organization of this struggle would be in Senegal, the land of my ancestors, and that means a lot to me. It is with great pride and my dream will finally come true."
It remains to be seen how, in connection with his contractual commitments, Mbaye will convince the WBA to sanction a defense of his belt in Senegal.
Antonin Decarie returned with a victory by majority decision on October 29 at Bell Centre in Montreal. The fight was part of the opening "Fast & Furious" card, and he faced veteran Irving Garcia. His next fight is scheduled for February 11 and the name of his opponent has yet be confirmed.