IBF orders negotiations for Casimero-Solis title clash

CEBU, Philippines -  The International Boxing Federation has mandated the camps of interim IBF light flyweight champion Johnriel "Quadro Alas" Casimero and regular champion Ulises Solis of Mexico to start negotiating for a possible title showdown between the two fighters this year.

“The IBF has sent us the letter that mandated us to start the negotiation for Casimero’s fight against Solis and they have given the two camps until August 2 to settle the details,” said Cebuano promoter Sammy Gello-ani, who is working hand and hand with international agent/matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz.

“Anytime this week we might get an update from Sampson who is the one directly talking to the Mexican camp,” he added

Gello-ani is planning to give Casimero his first title defense this July 28 against Colombian Mauricio Fuentes here in Cebu, but if the negotiations with Solis camp will work well, the Ormoc City-native ring gladiator might be fighting the Mexican toughie this year.

“If they (Solis camp) will accept every terms in the negotiation, then we will take the fight anytime,” added Gello-ani.

Solis, who has been inactive since August 2011, is already preparing for his comeback most likely against Casimero. Solis suffered a broken jaw after a bar brawl against 154-pound champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez last October.

For his part, Casimero snatched the interim IBF belt with a resounding 10th round TKO victory over Argentinian Luis Alberto Lazarte last February 11 in a riot-marred bout in Buenos Aires. (FREEMAN)