Albert Bell and Lucas Bahdi will head in separate directions in pursuit of their respective lightweight title aspirations.
BoxingScene has confirmed that Canada’s Bahdi, 20-0 (15 KOs), has declined the IBF’s invitation to enter negotiations with Bell, 28-0 (9 KOs), of Toledo, Ohio, for a proposed title eliminator. Both parties had 72 hours from Monday’s notification to inform the sanctioning body of their intentions; Bahdi’s team contacted the IBF shortly before the deadline.
Bell accepted straight away, and is willing to sign a blank check no matter whom the IBF next orders for the final elimination contest.
Next in the rankings are Argentina’s Alan Abel Chaves, 20-0 (17 KOs), and former IBF 130lbs titlist Joe Cordina, 19-1 (9 KOs).
Bahdi’s departure from the process is not without merit – in fact, the suggested rumors indicate an instant upgrade for him. BoxingScene has learned that plans are in place for Bahdi, a 32-year-old from Niagara Falls, to next face Floyd Schofield, 19-0 (13 KOs), from Austin, Texas, for the vacant WBA lightweight title. Should the bout get finalized, tentative plans call for an April showdown.
Meanwhile, Bell will stay the course and hope for the best in his latest effort to secure placement as a mandatory challenger.
A 33-year-old contender, Bell endured years of frustration at 130lbs – never mind squeezing that weight into his 6ft frame – only for the sanctioning bodies to never aid his cause despite his lofty ranking.
He has since moved up to lightweight, where he claimed shutout victories over Josec Ruiz and Keith Hunter. The wins are part of a five-fight hometown stretch as local promoter Vick Green has worked feverishly to keep Bell active in an industry that has often turned its back on him.
The hope is that Chaves accepts the opportunity without hesitation. Should he pass, Cordina entering a title eliminator could be a nonstarter. A two-time 130lbs titist from Wales, Cordina is already the No. 1 challenger to recently crowned WBO 135lbs titlist Abdullah Mason later this spring. Furthermore, BoxingScene has learned that the two could meet later this spring, though such talks are little more than preliminary whispers at this stage.
