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Charlo-Williams done for December, says trainer

Photo by: Naoki Fukuda
Fighters Network
03
Oct

The Bread is done.

Stephen (Breadman) Edwards has been pessimistic about IBF junior middleweight titleholder Jermall Charlo ever facing the man he trains and manages, mandatory challenger Julian Williams.

But Edwards struck a more optimistic tone on Monday, telling RingTV.com that both camps have approved of the deal points for the fight and that an announcement could be made this week on the particulars. “The fight is done,” Edwards said in a phone interview. “Both sides have agreed. As far as an exact date, I’m really not sure. I guess they’re waiting to announce it — sometime in December.” A source who declined to be identified confirmed that a deal has been finalized for the fight to likely take place on Dec. 17 on Showtime, though a venue is still being worked out.

The bout would be a main event, and TGB Promotions has the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on hold for Dec. 17. However, the source said it’s not a sure thing it will take place in Vegas with other venues now under consideration, such as Barclays Center in Brooklyn, which is available on that date. With Williams residing in Philly, it will be interesting to see if Charlo would allow the fight to happen so close to his opponent’s home.



The IBF has set a date of Oct. 18 for when it expects the two camps to return signed contracts, otherwise a purse bid will be ordered for Nov. 1, IBF Championships Chairman Lindsey E. Tucker told RingTV.com on Monday. While those involved are a little fuzzy on the venue, the cerebral trainer was more positive than he’s ever been about the bout finally happening.

In other words, a purse bid won’t be necessary.  Charlo requested and was given a medical extension after he had a LASIK procedure in July to improve his eyesight, pushing the fight back. Trainer Ronnie Shields declined to say whether the fight has been finalized, but he did say that Charlo is fully healthy and back in the gym. Tucker hasn’t heard where and when the fight will take place, either. But the ever skeptical Edwards isn’t consumed with doubt this time around.

“Hopefully they’ll be a big announcement this week and everything will go as planned,” Edwards said. “I believe the fight is going to happen. All I want is a chance for us to win a title because Julian has been overdue for a title shot.”

 

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