By Elisinio Castillo
According to overseas reports, Yoan Pablo Hernandez (29-1, 14 KO) has been stripped of the IBF cruiserweight title and the now Victor Emilio Ramirez, the interim-champion, has been elevated to the status of full champion.
The two fighters were set to collide numerous times, but Hernandez has been dealing with injuries an illnesses and has been unable to defend his title since last August.
Ramirez decisioned Ola Afolabi to gain the interim-crown and was set to face Hernandez on October 2 in Argentina. Hernandez was unable to compete for unspecified reasons and the IBF has now sanctioned a fight between Ramirez (22-2, 17 KO) and dangerous IBF #14 Ovill McKenzie (25-12, 13 KOs), who comes in on late notice to accept the fight.
McKenizie has beaten his last four opponents, including Tony Conquest, Jon-Lewis Dickinson and Matty Askin. He also holds wins over Enzo Maccarinelli, Tony Dodson, Jeff Evans and had two wars with Tony Bellew.
