The World Boxing Organisation has ordered Anthony Yarde versus Joshua Buatsi for their vacant interim light-heavyweight title.
Owing to the cancellation of the undisputed clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol originally scheduled for June 1 in Saudi Arabia, the World Boxing Organisation has ordered a bout for the interim title at 175lbs between Anthony Yarde and Joshua Buatsi.
The Beterbiev- Bivol bout was called off due to the Canada based boxer rupturing his meniscus forced and the bout is expected to take place later in 2024.
With this arrangement, the winner of the interim title is potentially a mandatory challenger for the winner of Beterbiev-Bivol if and when their fight finally takes place.
Being British rivals, Anthony Yarde and Joshua Buatsi have held negotiations for a fight a few times but nothing really materialised .
The WBO has given their representatives 10 days to agree to terms before purse bids are called.
"Wherefore, in light of the above and per the relevant WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests, the parties are hereby ordered to commence negotiations for the Interim Light Heavyweight Championship according to the following terms and conditions,” read a statement from the sanctioning body.
“The camps are granted 10 days to negotiate and reach an agreement as ordered. Failure to reach an accord within the period outlined herein will result in the Committee ordering purse bid proceedings pursuant to WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests. The minimum bid for the Light Heavyweight Division is $300,000. Any of the parties involved may request a purse bid proceedings at any time during the negotiation process."
With BOXXER's Ben Shalom in the saddle; handling Buatsi, a deal should be sealed before long.
Yarde, a former foe of Beterbiev is two time world title challenger with plenty of heart and experience but behind Buatsi's calmness is a certain monster in the ring venting his spleen on his prey upon the faintest smell of vulnerability.
Stylistically, it should a good match up; a delectable duel that should get British boxing fans on edge.
Buatsi, undefeated, was brilliant in his last outing, dispatching off old pal Dan Azeez.
But whether he's ready for the doggedness that Yarde represents would be seen in the ring.
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