Boxing Bits: Mundine in Melbourne, Fletcher bypassed for title

MUNDINE IN MELBOURNE

WITH the loss to Joshua Clottey behind him, former two-division titlist Anthony Mundine has been in Melbourne for the past week, entering negotiations with a local promoter for what could perhaps be a return to the nation’s sporting capital later in the year – putting to rest laughable rumours of retirement.

 
Mundine, 38, has been putting in work at Team Caparello Boxing in Melbourne’s west, where he has been put through his paces by recognized trainer Sam Labruna, known predominately for his work with leading Australian light-heavyweight Blake Caparello.

 
Caparello is currently in Big Bear, serving as a sparring partner to fellow light heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara, who will challenge divisional leader Adonis Stevenson later in the month.

 
“Choc has come down to Melbourne and while he’s in town, he’s done some work with us,” said Labruna. “He’s been generous enough with his time to help some of the younger kids in our gym.”

 
“He’s in Melbourne, doing some negotiations for a fight later in the year with a promoter here and I’m happy to help him while he’s down for the week.” he continued. “He hasn’t sparred, I’ve just looked at some of the technical aspects of his game and helping him with his defence.”

 
Mundine is expected to announce a return fight for mid-year, although no official announcement has been made.

 
JARROD FLETCHER BYPASSED FOR WBA INTERIM TITLE

 
DESPITE his lofty rating by the WBA, middleweight title contender Jarrod Fletcher has been remarkably bypassed by WBA #1 rated Dmitry Chudinov, who will face WBA #4 rated Patrick Nielsen for the WBA interim middleweight strap.

 
Fletcher, 30, and his team – headed by manager Adam Wilcock – were deep in negotiations with Chudinov’s team for several weeks. In spite of this, Chudinov’s team have manufactured an opportunity for their charge against the lower ranked Nielsen, 23, who holds the WBA Inter-Continental and WBC Silver middleweight titles.

 
While it was unexpected, this is nothing out of the ordinary for the WBA, who in some instances have up to three titlists in one division. As it stands, the organisation recognize title-holders as interim, regular or even super champions.

 
The interim title fight between Chudinov and Nielsen will take place on June 1st in Moscow, Russia.