by Richard Cloutier
Troy Ross is expected back in the ring in February. According to what was recently discussed, promoter Yvon Michel told BoxingScene.com/Netboxe.com, that Troy Ross (24-2-0) should return in Toronto in February. He would then be involved in a tournament leading to the WBC silver title in the month of April.
"Someone has contacted us to arrange a fight in Toronto in early February. I talked to Troy and he is happy about it. He and his wife will come and spend the weekend with us on December 18 in Quebec City. So if he wins in Toronto in February, then he should return to Casino Rama in April," Ross said.
Does one or the other of these battles will count towards an important goal?
"Maybe the WBC silver belt. Maybe against Lateef Kayode, (editor's note: Nigerian resident of California, Kayode 14-0 is the current NABF champion and sixth contender) in a fight for the WBC belt is something of great interest or the possibility of cruiserweight tourney involving four boxers against each other. Until Wlodarczyk (note: the WBC world champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk 44-2-1 of Poland) makes his fight against Palacios, who is the silver champion, we might have to involve four boxers in a tourney for the silver belt, which at that point would become vacant. And it would determine the next mandatory for the aspiring world champion. "
In June 2010, Troy Ross had a controversial loss to Steve Cunningham (23-2-0) in a world title fight.
What is the current situation of Troy Ross and the IBF?
"I think the IBF was not right with Troy Ross. Following his defeat, because he made a call, the IBF said, 'okay, you're going to fight to regain the leverage required to face Cunningham, but not in the upcoming eliminators. It might be in the next elimination round.' But here, with all the postponements. Troy has been punished greatly by the IBF. I find it very unfortunate and I'm really disappointed. That's why we will focus more on the WBC in the coming months. "
Since losing to Steve Cunningham, Ross picked up a victory on Oct. 30 at the expense of Carl Handy (24-7-2).
