By Jonny Stapleton – Bernard Dunne will have to make the first defence of his WBA Super Bantamweight World Title against Thai fighter Poonsawat Kratingdaeng or forfeit the belt. Dubliner Dunne has been linked with a host of names since dramatically beating Ricardo Cordoba to claim the world crown, but his next fight will be against 28 year old Kratingdaeng (38-1-27KO). And furthermore the bout could be hosted in Thailand this September..
The WBA confirmed Tuesday evening that Dunne would have to take on mandatory challenger and WBA Interim Champion, Kratingdaeng, a fighter who also defeated Cordoba, or forfeit the belt. The boxing governing body also announced that they had decided to open the fight to purse bidding.
The bidding will take place next Monday, July 20th, 2009 at 18:00, at European Boxing Association in Spain and the promoter who makes the highest offer will get to promote the fight.
It is believed Irish Promoter Brian Magee, the man who plotted Dunne’s European downfall by bringing Kiko Matinez to Dublin was to bid on behalf of Kratingdaeng.
The were suggestions Dunne might vacate the title and step up featherweight to challenge IBF Champ Cristobel Cruz, but Tommy Egan, who works on behalf of Cruz promoters Banner Promotions in Ireland claimed no discussions regarding that bout have been made.
Furthermore the Thai’s management team revealed, exclusively to this reporter that since the WBA opened the fight to purse bidding Galaxy Promotions have received contact from Dunne’s manager Brian Peters.
Neither camp want the bout to go to purse bids and are looking to strike a deal between themselves prior to next Mondays bidding deadline.
“We just had our first contact from Brain Peters promotions about the Dunne Kratingdaeng fight. Neither camp wants the fight to go to the purse bid, so we have started to negotiate with Brian Peters.
“What Galaxy Promotions are trying to do right now is to bring Dunne to fight Kratingdaeng in Thailand around the end of September.
“We have been informed Dunne can’t take a voluntary defence anymore, he must face Poonsawat for his next defence. So we are now in talks to ensure that happens with both teams happy,” Terry Laosuwanwat explained yesterday.