madjack
28-01-2004, 03:08 AM
Hussein to fight for vacant belt
January 27, 2004
JEFF Fenech was today adamant his junior featherweight Nedal Hussein would fight for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) world title despite a higher-rated fighter staking a claim for the fight.
Fenech said he had already informed the IBF fifth-rated Hussein was willing to fight No.1 ranked Jose Luis Valbuena of Venezuela for the title recently vacated by Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines.
Hussein was approached by the IBF as it was believed he was the highest rated available contender to fight Valbuena.
However, IBF No.4 contender Israel Vazquez today told boxing website fightnews.com he was prepared to fight his stablemate Valbuena.
Vazuqez's manager Frank Espinoza stated his boxer had earned the right to fight Valbuena as the next highest ranked available contender.
Fightnews.com reported a contest between Valbuena and Vazquez would probably take place in March at the Los Angeles Olympic auditorium, but Fenech dismissed the suggestion.
He said he had already accepted the title fight on Hussein's behalf and had also related that to one of Valbuena's representatives.
Fenech said he believed the IBF invitation to Hussein was binding and the venue and the purse for the fight remained to be arranged.
He said he wanted to bring the fight to Australia and was in the process of preparing an offer to Valbuena, who has a record of 24 wins two losses and one draw.
Hussein has notched 31 wins and one loss.
January 27, 2004
JEFF Fenech was today adamant his junior featherweight Nedal Hussein would fight for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) world title despite a higher-rated fighter staking a claim for the fight.
Fenech said he had already informed the IBF fifth-rated Hussein was willing to fight No.1 ranked Jose Luis Valbuena of Venezuela for the title recently vacated by Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines.
Hussein was approached by the IBF as it was believed he was the highest rated available contender to fight Valbuena.
However, IBF No.4 contender Israel Vazquez today told boxing website fightnews.com he was prepared to fight his stablemate Valbuena.
Vazuqez's manager Frank Espinoza stated his boxer had earned the right to fight Valbuena as the next highest ranked available contender.
Fightnews.com reported a contest between Valbuena and Vazquez would probably take place in March at the Los Angeles Olympic auditorium, but Fenech dismissed the suggestion.
He said he had already accepted the title fight on Hussein's behalf and had also related that to one of Valbuena's representatives.
Fenech said he believed the IBF invitation to Hussein was binding and the venue and the purse for the fight remained to be arranged.
He said he wanted to bring the fight to Australia and was in the process of preparing an offer to Valbuena, who has a record of 24 wins two losses and one draw.
Hussein has notched 31 wins and one loss.