Christian Mbilli vs Kevin Lele Sadjo Fight in Doubt After IBF Bidding Controversy

The much-anticipated IBF super-middleweight final eliminator between undefeated contenders Christian Mbilli and Kevin Lele Sadjo has hit a roadblock. Following a contentious bidding process, the fight’s future is now uncertain.

Last month’s IBF purse bid hearing saw Y12 Boxing, Sadjo’s promoter, secure the rights to host the all-French matchup. They outbid Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM) by $112,000, initially setting the stage for a May 8 showdown.

However, EOTTM president Camille Estephan is now exploring other options for Mbilli (28-0, 23 KOs). Estephan expressed his dissatisfaction with the bidding process, stating, “We’ve experienced an injustice that we cannot accept.”

The controversy stems from Estephan’s belief that Y12 Boxing’s bid should not have exceeded his own by more than $100,000. Additionally, the IBF’s decision to extend the fight deadline from April 30 to May 8 for Y12 Boxing has further fueled the dispute.

Estephan now plans to schedule Mbilli’s next fight at the Videotron Centre in Quebec, Canada. Meanwhile, Sadjo (24-0, 21 KOs) is left without a confirmed opponent, leaving the mandatory challenger position for the IBF super-middleweight title in limbo.

As this situation unfolds, IBF champion William Scull is preparing for his undisputed title fight against Canelo Alvarez on May 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Canelo will put his WBC, WBA, and WBO titles on the line in this highly anticipated bout.

The boxing world now awaits further developments in the Mbilli-Sadjo saga and its potential impact on the super-middleweight division’s landscape.