Ben Shalom told how the negotiations looked like regarding the organization of the fight between the IBF world heavyweight champion Jaem Opetai (22-0, 17 KOs) and by Richard Riakpo (16-0, 12 KOs). The British camp eventually withdrew from the tender for this duel.
“It was complete chaos. We were offered to fight on August 23 in Australia, we agreed, but just asked for guarantees of funding. We didn't receive them. Later they said they wanted to fly to London to fight. They set financial conditions, we met them, sent them a contract and silence again. We talked to three different people from his camp, it led to nothing, ”said the head of Boxxer.
“We didn’t want to waste any more time, especially since Riakpo will fight for the world title in his next performance anyway, and it will be more profitable for him financially. We hope to announce this fight next week," Shalom added.
IBF has named Mairis Briedis as a contender for the fight with Opetai. Negotiations between the parties have already begun, and the fight could take place in Australia at the end of this year.
