The IBF has elevated interim super middleweight titleholder Jose “Bolivita” Uzcategui to full world champion status. The move came after reigning champion James DeGale relinquished the belt rather make his mandatory defense against Uzcategui.
“The Englishman (DeGale) chose to give up the title rather than face me,” said Uzcategui. “When he was crowned for the second time, I challenged him that night and he never accepted my challenge. The fight was mandatory, but he chose to vacate the title out of fear that I’ll defeat him.”
Uzcategui (27-2, 23 KOs) must now defend against unbeaten Caleb Plant (17-0, 10 KOs) at the end of August. Continue reading “IBF names Uzcategui full champion, Plant next”