Enrico Koelling has been instructed to start preparing for his rematch with Ryno Liebenberg, tentatively scheduled for Emperors Palace on February 4.
“We’re putting plans into place, but it’s almost certainly going to happen,” said Rodney Berman, who must iron out a few minor details with German counterpart Nisse Sauerland.
Even the question of judges has been discussed and agreed: there will be one German, one European and a South African, ensuring there can be no claims of bias in the case of a close fight.
Koelling and Liebenberg fought in October, the split decision in Koelling’s favour earning the wrath of Liebenberg’s camp.
Asked if a title would be on the line, Berman said probably not, making a 10-rounder the likely outcome.
Koelling versus Liebenberg would make it a mammoth show to kickstart 2017, especially with Kevin Lerena on the card, plus welterweight tyro Thulani Mbenge.
Berman and Sauerland will next meet in Miami at the WBC convention in December where the fight agreement is likely to be signed. Knowing Berman, he will have a few other prospective fights in mind to negotiate with the German boxing power broker.
