By Cihat Gemici

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, Arena Box Promotion Chairman Ahmet Oner, who manages Avni Yildirim’s career and Turkish fighter himself participated to press conference in Istanbul Turkey.

After controversial Dirrell vs Yildirim WBC title bout in February, Yildirim’s side had appealed to WBC for an immediate rematch. David Benavidez’s promoter Sampson Lewkowicz also gave his opinion about triple agreement.

As previously reported by BoxingScene.com on Monday, the WBC issued an order where Dirrell has to defend the WBC's 168-pound belt against Benavidez, and then the winner has to take on Yildirim.

“Yildirim fought like a champion against Dirrell. Unfortunately the bout was stopped because of accidental headbutt. It was unfinished business. I proud of Yildirim and Dirrell both. The day after the bout Oner and Yildirim visited me in Mexico and delivered their rematch request. I promised them that the situation will be fixed and both part will be satisfied. We agreed on terms with both sides and signed contracts,” said Sulaiman.

Oner underlined that “we lost the Dirrell fight because of an unfortunate stoppage. Yildirim was increasing his performance and was winning the bout if the bout was finished. That’s why we appealed to WBC. Thanks to Mr. President Sulaiman our apply was evaluated and we gained our title bout right.

Benavidez’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, stated that “I respect both fighter Dirrell and Yildirim. Their fight was really close, it could go either way. After the defeat, Yildirim behaved very gentlemen and he deserved another title shot and they took it. The champion in recess has rights to fight immediately with the current champion. This is rule and we conducted the rule. We agreed on terms, I really appreciate Oner’s approach to our agreement. Yildirim will fight on the undercard of Dirrell vs Benavidez. This is the perfect solution for everybody; boxers, fans and promoters.

"We are waiting for a decision from WBC about Dirrell’s injury. I believe that the title bout will be held on August or maybe on September. And the winner will fight with Yildirim on December or January. But this is boxing; we never know what will happen. I believe that Benavidez is the best super middleweight in the world."