THERE were only two boxers in attendance, and only three named, but promoter Kalle Sauerland revealed at a press conference in central London today (May 9) that the second season of the World Boxing Super Series will feature a bantamweight tournament.
Actually present at the top table were WBO champion Zolani Tete, as well as new IBF king Emmanuel Rodriguez, with WBA champion Ryan Burnett expected to attend but ultimately absent.
According to Sauerland, the deal to get Burnett on board was still being thrashed out as the press conference was due to start, hence the Irishman staying home and making it two from eight. The promoter assured everyone, though, that the Burnett deal was eventually finalised and that three of the four world bantamweight champions would compete in the tournament (the fourth title, the WBC, is soon to be contested by Nordine Oubaali and Tassana Sanpattan following former champion Luis Nery’s weight issues).
Sauerland also announced there will be two other weight classes added to season two of the World Boxing Super Series, with rumours gathering pace that junior-welterweights and even cruiserweights – the runaway stars of season one – might also get some tournament shine in 2018 and 2019.
“Bigger is better,” said Sauerland.
