Joseph ‘King Kong’ Agbeko
Former International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight titlist, Joseph ‘King Kong’ Agbeko, says he will be ready to face Paul Butler at a later date following the cancellation of tonight’s World Boxing Organisation (WBO) final eliminator.
Agbeko, who failed to secure a visa to travel for the bout with Butler in the United Kingdom, explained that his camp would renegotiate with the British boxer after his fight with Willibaldo Garcia tonight.
Last minute replacement
The 41-year-old experienced boxer was replaced with Mexico’s Garcia after delayed visa arrangements restrained him from travelling to face Butler in a bout which could have earned him another shot at a world title.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Agbeko said his camp could not provide all the necessary documents demanded by the High Commission on time to enable him secure the visa and travel for the bout.
Reason for visa refusal
He, however, noted that the MTK-signed Butler must fight him to become the mandatory challenger for the WBO bantamweight belt since he was the highest rated fighter in the division by WBO.
“I will be ready to face Butler at a later date because he can only fight me for the eliminator,” said Agbeko. “He cannot fight any other person because I am rated number one and he is behind me”.
“It is rather unfortunate that I couldn’t provide all the paperwork for the fight because the notice for the bout was short. I look forward to facing him after tonight’s bout so both camps can negotiate and prepare well”.
Agbeko has recorded nine straight victories since losing to legendary Cuban, Guillermo Rigondeaux, in 2013. His last ring outing was a fifth-round knockout win over Albert Commey last December.
High hopes
When asked about his return to the ring this year, Agbeko said he was confident of fighting for a final eliminator by the close of year before taking on John Riel Casimero for the WBO bantamweight crown.
“I am confident that I will get to fight for the final eliminator as soon as possible to prepare me for the world championship. Everything is in order and it is just a matter of time for me to get the needed opportunity,” Agbeko stressed.
