Speculation had mounted that a third competition weight class to be announced soon by organizers at Comosa AG would be at the 200 pounds plus weight limit.
If so, the eight-man event will become the first to go ahead without a championship of any kind on the line.
WBN had predicted a possible tournament, with a WBA ‘regular’ title match-up being involved as the sole championship bout, although belt holder Manuel Charr’s representatives stated this will not be case as things currently stand.
“We can confirm there has been no contact with Comosa AG and the WBSS has nothing at all to do with our event,” Bernd Trendelkamp exclusively told World Boxing News.
Charr takes on mandatory Fres Oquendo in Cologne on September 29, whilst full champion Anthony Joshua is tied into his own stipulation with Alexander Povetkin a week earlier.
The only other world ruler without a fight arranged is WBC king Deontay Wilder, although co-manager Shelly Finkel has already informed WBN the American wouldn’t enter any WBSS without the presence of Joshua being confirmed.
Therefore, it looks likely plans for a heavyweight competition could be put on hold for the time being. The only other alternative would be to put together a Series which would 100% percent guarantee a future title shot at Joshua or Wilder at the conclusion of the tournament.
This would mean including the likes of number one contenders Dominic Breazeale and Kubrat Pulev alongside the likes of Luis Ortiz, Dillian Whyte, Dereck Chisora and others – with either the WBC or IBF making it abundantly clear that the winner must challenge for their title after lifting the Ali Trophy.
Since Kalle Sauerland hinted at a heavyweight competition last month, those plans may well have changed as the boxing fans await an official decision on the third weight class for Season II.
Tickets for Charr v Oquendo are on sale now here www.koelnticket.de
