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Dennis Hogan’s world title eliminator postponed after Julian Williams tests positive for covid

Dennis Hogan’s will have to wait until the New Year to attempt to stride the final hurdle between him and another world title shot.

‘The Hurricane’ was set to face former unified light middleweight champion Julian Williams [27(15)-2(2)-1] in a world title eliminator on St Stephen’s Day.

However, ‘J Rock’ has tested positive for Covid 19 and a fight that was set top a PBC promoted, Fox Sports broadcast card in just three weeks time looks set to be pushed back to late January or early February.

Any reschedule has yet to be officially confirmed or agreed upon, but both parties remain keen on the fight and expect to confirm the world title eliminator in due time.

“William’s sparring partner tested positive for the virus three days ago, so he had to go and get tested . That came back positive so as of now the fight is off,” Paul Keegan of DDP Sports told Irish-boxing.com.

“Peter Kahn is now working with PBC to get Dennis the best possible outcome. PBC have been great with Dennis and DDP. We have a good working relationship and both fighters want the fight, so it’s very likely to be rescheduled,” he adds before discussing possible time frame.

“The way it works over there is, Williams will have to come through two negative tests before he can return to camp. With that in mind your talking about late January or early February.”

It’s disappointing news for Hogan [28(7)-3(-)-1], who left his young family in Australia, to train with Irish boxing legend Wayne McCullough in Las Vegas ahead of the clash.

The Kildare man doesn’t want a good camp to go to waste and his team have informed PBC, that they are willing to get out on an undercard over the next few weeks.

“Dennis and Wayne have gelled well together and have had a great camp. They are eager for Dennis to get out. Peter (Kahn) has informed PBC and they have been great about it. They are willing to put him on a show, but it all comes down to TV.

“It would be good for Dennis to get out with Wayne, a fight would do no harm. Dennis could then get a short break at home and go back into camp to prepare for a world title eliminator.”

There have been some queries as to whether or not the Williams fight would maneuver Hogan straight into a world title shot.

Keegan revealed that is the premise Team Hogan are working off and expects the winner to get a shot at Jermell Charlo and his IBF, WBA and WBC crowns.

“We expect the winner to get Jermell Charlo. If he moves up we expect to get a shot at one of the titles he currently holds.” Keegan remarked.

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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