Could be Stevenson before Kessler for the Cobra

IBF super-middleweight champion Carl Froch is ready to negotiate a deal to face mandatory challenger Adonis ‘Superman’ Stevenson before the Nottingham fighter aims for a Mikkel Kessler return in the summer.

The 35 year-old has just a few weeks to confirm his next step to the IBF or risk losing his belt and could give Stevenson a spring title shot, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, who spoke to WBN to confirm the news.

If we can't agree terms for a unification fight with Kessler we would be happy to face our mandatory challenger in Stevenson,” Hearn told World Boxing News.

Kessler is certainly first choice for Froch, who had hoped to tie up a deal for May in his hometown, although Stevenson has now emerged as a stop-gap measure for another UK bout for the three-time world champion.

A rematch with Lucian Bute is also a possibility for Froch long-term, but for now it looks as if Froch is intent on keeping his world title status in order to stay in the frame to face the likes of Kessler and unified belt holder Andre Ward.

“It’s going to be a busy week ahead as we unravel the future for ‘the Cobra,” added Hearn.

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Carl Froch and his promotional team have a fortnight left before mandatory challenger Adonis Stevenson urges the IBF to strip him, to allow him to fight for the vacant belt, which Froch snatched from Lucian Bute back in May 2012 by knockout.
Unless an agreement can be arranged with the mandatory challenger, in the form of a straight, immediate shot at the winner of the proposed Carl Froch vs vs Mikkel Kessler rematch.
"Should Froch, Kessler, the IBF and WBA all agree - I need confirmation that I will face the winner." stated the 35 year old with a 19-1 (16ko) record.
"They (Froch and Kessler's promoters) have 15 days to file the contract. Otherwise, I will fight for the vacant IBF title, since Froch's crown would be vacant. Whether it's Carl Froch or someone else, what I want is the title."
A tentative March date has been set by HBO for Adonis to step back into the ring and the GYM promoted Canadian southpaw is eager for answers from all the interested parties.
15 years ago, Stevenson was imprisoned for pimping and dealing in prostitution.

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