Negotiations are heating up for an all-French super middleweight showdown between Christian Mbilli and Kevin Lele Sadjo. Both men, originally from Cameroon but raised in France, are zeroing in on a date in late March or early May. The victor will emerge as the IBF mandatory challenger for current 168-pound titleholder William Scull.
Promoter Camille Estephan of Eye of the Tiger Management is aiming for Quebec City’s Videotron Centre, where Mbilli has become a big draw among French-speaking Canadian fans. Meanwhile, Sadjo’s representatives at Y12 Boxing have the Accor Arena in Paris on hold for April 19 or 26, plus May 3. Whichever side offers the best overall package likely gets to host this rare clash of two undefeated fighters who both pack a punch.
Watch Mbilli vs. Derevyanchenko highlights: Watch
Though Mbilli, 29, is coming off a win over former title challenger Sergiy Derevyanchenko last August, the 34-year-old Sadjo has racked up knockouts in seven of his last eight bouts. Both bring forward-moving styles and explosive power that could produce an all-action war. If they can finalize terms before the purse bid deadline of January 16, fans in either Quebec or Paris will witness one of the most intriguing matchups in French boxing history.
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