By Declan Taylor
THE purse bid for Ellie Scotney’s proposed world title defence against Mea Motu has been delayed with both sides hopeful of striking a late deal.
The IBF have ordered their champion Scotney to defend against her mandatory challenger, the 19-0 (7) New Zealander, and a purse bid was scheduled for July 9.
However, with discussions progressing well, both sides requested an extension on the negotiation period in order to make the fight without a bid needed. And, on the day of the bid, the IBF agreed.
Matchroom CEO Frank Smith told Boxing News: “The purse bid has been delayed by 10 days.
“We might be able to get a deal done. Both sides requested it because we are hopeful. We are hopeful we can get something together, for sure.”
When asked whether Matchroom are planning on staging that fight in the UK, Smith added: “We are not sure of the plan for the fight yet, we are working through the details at this end.
“I know Eddie met with Ellie and Shane [McGuigan] the other day. Hopefully we will have some news on that soon.”
Scotney, 9-0, is the current unified super-bantamweight champion after adding the WBO strap held by Segolene Lefebvre to her collection on April 13.
The Catford ace has designs on becoming undisputed but now looks set to defend against her IBF mandatory first.
Motu, meanwhile, is coming off the back of a second-round stoppage victory of previously undefeated Noppaket Srisawas in April.
