_1.jpg "Richard Commey versus Robert Easter Jr.")
Revenge: Richard Commey targets rematch with Easter Jr
Lightweight contender Richard Commey says he has “unfinished business” with IBF champion Robert Easter Jnr and is hopeful that his new three-year promotional contract with DiBella Entertainment will earn him a second shot at a world title against his American foe soon.
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Commey wants another shot at the world title and a chance to avenge his first career loss after Easter Jr won a 12-round split decision when they fought for the IBF title at the Santander Arena in Pennsylvania last September.
The 30-year-old Ghanaian, who went on to lose his next bout against Denis Shafikov three months later in Russia under controversial circumstances, told the Graphic Sports that his previous promoters, Sauerland Events, were not up to the task of taking him to the top, including failing to win purse bids for his fights on several occasions.
"I am very excited about this deal. I will be promoted by a respected American promoter Mr Lou DiBella for the next three years but the contract is renewable," said Commey.
"I thank God that he has signed me and this was based on my fight record and my boxing skills".
After those two losses to Easter Jr and Shafikov, Commey bounced back with a 12-round unanimous decision against Hedi Slimani in Accra four months ago. Now, he is looking forward to bigger prospects with his new promoters.
Commey's confidence in the capabilities of his new promoter, Lou DiBella stems from the fact that the DiBella Entertainment founder and CEO had in the past represented top boxers, including former WBC middleweight champion, Sergio Gabriel Martinez, former middleweight world champions Jermain Taylor and Bernard Hopkins, former junior welterweight titlist, Paulie Malignaggi, and former WBC welterweight champion, Andre Berto.
If the early days of the Commey-DiBella partnership are anything to go by, the Bukom lad is already on the path to another world title shot after American TV network ESPN reported that the IBF had sent a letter to DiBella Entertainment to open negotiations for a world title eliminator, for the chance to fight Easter or against fellow contender Alejandro Luna.
"I have been informed about the eliminator but it's early days yet and nothing has been agreed, so I don't want to say much except that I have unfinished business against Easter".
Commey has also vowed to make the most of his promotional contract which will see him relocate from Ghana to the New York Area, where "better equipment and sparring" will be at his disposal.
He said: "I am aware that some Ghanaian boxers have signed with big promoters like DiBella in the past and things did not go well. I am not going to mention names but what happened to them will serve as motivation and inspire me to give my best".
Watch highlights of Commey's loss to Easter Jr below;