Rematch? Seriously? Team Schadko considering Katelynn Phelan repeat
Katleynn Phelan is still the name on everybody’s lips in Irish boxing but it seems that her name is also still in the minds of Team Jessica Schadko.
The Kildare youngster dominated and stopped the German welterweight starlet over five one-sided rounds in Donauwörth earlier this month to pick up the WBC Youth, WIBA, and WBF belts.
It was a breakthrough performance and result for Phelan [4(1)-0] and the aftermath has seen talk of a fight night at Goff’s in County Kildare or even a Katie Taylor undercard appearance versus American prospect Summer Lynn.
However, a standard rematch clause with Schadko [8(2)-1(1)], could tie ‘The Smiling Assassin’ up.
Despite the punishing defeat, it has emerged that the German’s team are open to the possibility of taking on Phelan again – something which Boxing Ireland Promotions aren’t particularly keen on.
Promoter Leonard Gunning explained to Irish-Boxing.com how “we’re still over the moon about Katelynn Phelan’s fantastic victory in Germany to catch all three titles and myself and Stephen [Sharpe] have already been putting plans in place for her next fight.”
“However, we’ve recently encountered a little bit of a stumbling block in the form of the rematch clause in the original fight contract.”
Whilst I think it would be unbelievably foolish of Team Schadko to invoke the rematch clause that they are entitled to, it is their legal right to do so – and that could tie us up for a little bit of time.”
The Sligo boxing boss is in talks with the German’s team to seek clarity but is currently in the dark.
Gunning outlined how “I’ve been in contact with Schadko’s promoters, CPI Promotions, to discuss how they want to manage the rematch clause and they haven’t given me a definitive answer yet.”
While I wouldn’t be against Katelynn going back to Germany for a repeat performance, we probably have other opportunities and fights on our mind and we want to develop Katelynn in the light welterweight and, subsequently, the lightweight divisions.”
“I’ve spoken with Hülya Catuna [CPI Promotions] to see if we could set aside the rematch clause and go our separate ways. However, she is in discussions with her matchmaker at the minute to decide if they want to go ahead with the rematch or set it aside.”
“They have a show coming up in Germany in December and this is a potential date for the rematch but I think that would be very soon for Schadko to be getting into a ring, especially as she got a suspension from the German board following her stoppage against Katelynn.”
It is extremely hard to picture Phelan fighting Schadko again next – and even harder to picture a rematch going any other way than a second stoppage win for the Irishwoman.
The main thing for the 20-year-old is activity and Gunning pledged that “either way, we’re looking to get Katelynn out before Christmas, either on a show in Ireland or, maybe, going into Europe because I foresee her having a massive 2021.”
