Fanlong Meng vs Adam Deines IBF eliminator set for June 1 in Macau

IBF light heavyweight titleholder Artur Beterbiev continues to steamroll along, and Fanlong Meng and Adam Deines are set to meet in an eliminator fight to get in line to face the Russian in Macau on June 1.

Fanlong (14-0, 9 KO) is a 31-year-old Chinese southpaw who fought at the 2012 Olympics, losing to Brazil’s Yamaguchi Falcao in the round of 16, a fight that went to countback and was highly competitive. He turned pro in 2015, and in his last fight on Nov. 24 in Monte Carlo, he stopped former British champion Frank Buglioni in five. Buglioni retired after the fight.

“I’m beyond excited to be fighting again in Macau against a very tough opponent and most importantly, for the IBF world title eliminator,” said Meng.

“If I win, I become the challenger to the current world titleholder. However, I am not looking past Deines. He is a very strong opponent and I have a lot of respect for him taking this fight. I will do my thing one step at a time. My training camp has been fantastic. I’m in great shape and skill level. I can’t wait for June 1st so everyone can see me shine once again.”

Deines (17-0-1, 8 KO) is a 28-year-old German southpaw whose best pro win came in March 2018 against Stefan Haertel, who fought at the 2012 Olympics for Germany. Haertel was unbeaten when Deines beat him by split decision. He’s won three straight since then, most recently knocking out Zoltan Sera in a tune-up on March 2.