Carl Froch has vacated the IBF Super Middleweight title as he recovers from the injury that ruled him out of a clash with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
The four-time World champion will now consider his future before potentially defending his WBA Super Middleweight title this summer.
Mandatory challenger James DeGale MBE will now fight the next available contender for the vacant title, and the IBF will instruct Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Sport as to who that will be and negotiations will commence immediately.
“It’s been a frustrating couple of weeks with terms agreed for the Chavez fight only for me to be unable to proceed in camp due to injury,” said Froch. “I know what it’s like to wait for a shot and I didn’t want to hold James up in fighting for a World title.
“James is a great fighter and I hope he can go out and win that title and who knows, we may even meet later in the year.”
“Talks continue with the Chavez camp regarding a summer clash in Las Vegas, and discussions have taken place with Golden Boy Promotions regarding a bumper clash in Nottingham with two-weight World champion legend Bernard Hopkins in the summer,” said Hearn.
Luke Campbell MBE has withdrawn from his fight on March 7 due to the ill health of his father.
The Olympic Gold medal star was set to feature in a huge clash at the Hull Ice Arena as promoter Eddie Hearn looks to set-up an all-Hull Lightweight blockbuster with Tommy Coyle in the summer.
“After a period in intensive care, my Dad has now been moved to Dove House Hospice and I feel it’s important that I spend every second possible with my family,” said Campbell. “I hope that the fans understand my decision and I shall be back in action soon.”
The show on March 7 goes ahead with Campbell’s fight set to be replaced on the card, while Coyle faces Martin Gethin and Sam Eggington faces Shayne Singleton. Undefeated Matchroom stars Rocky Fielding, Bradley Saunders and Gamal Yafai are also in action.
Fans that require refunds for the show should contact their point of purchase.
