Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue has been ordered to face his mandatory challenger in his next fight by the WBA.
Inoue made a successful first defence of his undisputed title in May when he stopped Luis Nery in the sixth round of their contest in Tokyo.
Following the win, there have been suggestions that Inoue may decide to move up to featherweight, but now the WBA are eager to keep Inoue fighting at super bantamweight and face Murodjon Akhmadaliev who is the mandatory challenger for their world title.
"The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee ordered the mandatory bout between super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue and challenger Murodjon Akhmadaliev this Thursday, June 13," the WBA said in a statement.
“The pioneer organization sent the official communication to the parties, to inform both teams that the Japanese monarch must face Murodjon Akhmadaliev and gave them 30 days to negotiate, which will end on July 14.
"Championships rule C.10 states that the champion must defend the title against the top contender available within nine (9) months from the date you become champion.
“Inoue won the title on 26 December 2023 and his next mandatory defence should be no later than 25 September 2024, so he must face Akhmadaliev.
"If no agreement is reached or if either party refuses to sign the fight, the committee may call for an auction under the pioneer body’s internal rules.”
Akhmadaliev boasts a 12-1 (9 KOs) professional record, and last fought in December when he stopped Kevin Gonzalez in eight rounds.
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