Jamie McDonnell has only himself to blame after being stripped of his IBF bantamweight title, according to a statement released by Dennis Hobson Promotions.
The British promoters represent the Yorkshire fighter, who back in May became a titleholder for the first time when, in his home city of Doncaster, he won a contentious majority decision over Mexican youngster Julio Ceja.
However, 27-year-old McDonnell (21-2-1, 9 knockouts) now stands accused of using a “third party” – believed to be Matchroom Sports and Eddie Hearn – to negotiate for him since then and it appears that has been a major factor in the IBF Board of Directors’ decision to take away his belt.
A strongly worded statement from Dennis Hobson Promotions, released Friday afternoon, read:
"We understand that the IBF have vacated Jamie McDonnell's title as Bantamweight Champion because he failed to comply with a Resolution of the IBF Board of Directors.
"It is sad that Jamie has been stripped of his world title, especially when, in partnership with Dennis Hobson Promotions, he was able to achieve his boxing ambitions and become world champion at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster on May 11, 2013.
“It was a fabulous night for Jamie, for his team, and for British boxing, and we were particularly pleased when Jamie was gracious enough to say that he would not have become world champion without the team at Dennis Hobson Promotions.
“It was a fabulous night for Jamie, for his team, and for British boxing, and we were particularly pleased when Jamie was gracious enough to say that he would not have become world champion without the team at Dennis Hobson Promotions.
"Unfortunately, in recent weeks Jamie has allowed third parties to influence him, to advise him and to make representations on his behalf – without any reference to us. This is in clear contravention of the contractual relationship he has with Dennis Hobson Promotions.
“The consequences of such unauthorised influence, advice and representations by these third parties have obviously, with today's news, been catastrophic for Jamie.
“No further comment will be made by Dennis Hobson Promotions at this juncture.”
An inability to agree to a defense against mandatory challenger Vusi Malinga within a specified time is behind the IBF’s move, according to a report on Yorkshire news website www.star.co.uk.
“Jamie McDonnell did not supply signed contracts for his mandatory defence scheduled for November 9 within the prescribed time according to IBF rules. By not doing so his title was declared vacant,” read the statement from the organization.
The website is also reporting the IBF confirmed an appeal against its decision has been lodged by Matchroom supremo Hearn.
Photo by Scott Heavey-Gettyimages
The Ring
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