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Stiverne (25-2-1, 21 KO) became the WBC interim champion when Alexander Povetkin failed a drug test just before their planned fight. Notwithstanding the fact that Stiverne ALSO failed a drug test and has only beaten Derric Rossy since getting dominated by Wilder (38-0, 37 KO) 19 months ago, he’s been refusing to step aside despite there being zero interest in a rematch.
He also refused to face Ortiz (27-0, 23 KO) in an eliminator earlier this year.
This is one of those times where I’ll happily watch the “mandatory” get brushed aside Ortiz is closing in on 40 and spent 2016 destroying low-to-mid-level competition. Wilder vs. Ortiz would be an excellent fight. Wilder vs. Stiverne II sucks.