Christian Mbilli and Kevin Lele Sadjo ordered to clash in IBF eliminator

The IBF has ordered Christian Mbilli (28-0) and the reigning European champion Kevin Lele Sadjo (24-0) to meet in a final eliminator to earn the status of mandatory challenger to William Scull, the IBF super-middleweight champion.  

Mbilli-Sadjo represents an all-French match-up with considerable appeal but it remains to be seen whether they will actually fight.

Sadjo’s promoter Yohan Zaoui has, according to LÉquipe, accepted the nomination. Mbilli’s representative, the Canadian Camilel Estephan, still hasn’t replied but has until Friday to do so.

There were plans for Mbilli to fight Jamie Munguia but the Mexican was knocked out by another Frenchman, Bruno Surace. Mbilli was previously paired with Diego Pacheco in an IBF eliminator; Pacheco instead fights Steven Nelson on January 25.

The champion, William Scull, has until April 19 to make his mandatory defence. Waiting for the winner of Scull and his next opponent is the IBF’s second-ranked Vladimir Shishkin, who the champion must meet no later than August 17.