Pulev vs Whyte purse bid goes to surprise winner

The rights to the IBF heavyweight eliminator fight were up for purse bid today in New Jersey, and in a big surprise, neither Matchroom Boxing nor Team Sauerland came out the victor.

The bout, pitting Matchroom’s Dillian Whyte and Sauerland’s Kubrat Pulev, instead will be promoted by Epic Sports & Entertainment, who won with a large bid of $1,500,111, handily defeating Matchroom ($831,111) and Sauerland ($801,305).

Epic is led by John Wirt, a former attorney for legendary promoter Don King.

If the fight goes through with Epic as promoter, Pulev will get a purse of just over $1.125 million, while Whyte gets 25% of the bid at about $375,000.

Epic has until June 8 to get signed contracts from the fighters, and the fight has to take place before August 24.

The winner becomes a mandatory challenger for Anthony Joshua, who also holds the WBA and WBO heavyweight titles along with the IBF strap.

If this fight actually happens — and it’s kind of a weird situation so who knows? — who do you like to win?