AN all-French showdown involving unbeaten super middleweight contenders Christian Mbilli and Kevin Lele Sadjo is now seemingly just around the corner.
The IBF ordered a final eliminator between the pair on December 18, presenting the winner with an opportunity to face William Scull for the red and gold strap.
But since then, the two parties have failed to reach an agreement to stage the intriguing matchup, leaving fans of both fighters eagerly awaiting an official announcement.
Earlier this week, however, the IBF scheduled a purse bid for January 30, allowing the teams just over a week to negotiate a deal.
In any case, the final eliminator is set to take place in the next few months, with two of the most destructive punchers at 168 lbs squaring off for a shot at world honours.
Mbilli, 28-0 (23 KOs), comes off a comprehensive victory over Sergiy Derevyanchenko, maintaining his remarkable punch output to outpoint the seasoned operator through ten rounds.
With notable wins over the likes of Mark Heffron and Carlos Gongora, too, the 29-year-old appears to be primed for a career-defining opportunity.
Meanwhile, Sadjo, 24-0 (21 KOs), has amassed seven victories and two defences of his European title since his sixth-round stoppage victory over Jack Cullen back in 2021.
Like Mbilli, the 34-year-old possesses an aggressive, fan-friendly style, making their imminent dustup an almost guaranteed barnburner.
But still, with the winner looking to take on IBF titlist Scull, both fighters will need to prove that they are indeed ready for world level.
