Boxing News of Wednesday, 8 August 2018

Source: ghananewsagency.org

Commey likely to fight Easter Jr. for IBF Lightweight Title

Richard Commey and Robert Easter Jr to face off in a rematch for the title Richard Commey and Robert Easter Jr to face off in a rematch for the title

Richard Commey (27-2, 24 KO's), the number one contender for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Lightweight title, is likely to battle American boxer and an old foe, Robert Easter Jr (21-1, 14 KO's), in a rematch for the title after dropping Mexico’s Yardley Cruz last Saturday.

This follows the decision of the current holder of the IBF Lightweight title, Mikey Garcia (39-0, 30 KOs), to move to the Welterweight division to take on the champion Errol Spence.

Garcia, who recently dropped Easter in unification bout, to add the IBF to his World Boxing Council (WBC) title, has been ordered by the IBF to fight Commey, but with the decision to move up in weight, he may vacate both titles to move up in weight.

This suggests that, a rematch between Commey and Easter could happen, depending on where Easter would be placed in the latest ranking especially with no one occupying the number position on the lightweight IBF rankings.

Russia's Isa Chaniev (13-1, 6 KO's) who is currently placed third could also be a possible opponent for Commey, if he wins an upcoming bout against a yet to be named opponent.

Regardless of all this permutations, Commey and Garcia bout could possibly happen if Garcia rescinds his decision to move up, but rather make his first defense of the title later in the year.

Commey, in 2016 fought Easter Jr. for the IBF lightweight title, to the American via split decision and would be delighted with another opportunity to avenge his loss if

Garcia decides to vacate the title.