WBO world champion in super lightweight (up to 63.5 kg) Josh Taylor (19-0, 13 KOs) was formally ordered to fight American Teofimo Lopez (18-1, 13 KOs), writes
air force. On March 4 in Glasgow (Scotland), the champion was supposed to make a voluntary defense against Jack Catterall in a rematch, but allegedly tore his heel tendon.
Previously, the undisputed champion Taylor vacated the WBC, WBA and IBF titles.
And now the WBO has written to Bob Arum, promoter of Taylor and Lopez, indicating that it is time to begin negotiations: “We hereby order that negotiations begin on mandatory protection. The parties are given 10 days after the issuance of this notice to reach an agreement, otherwise bidding must be carried out in accordance with the rules.
The minimum stake for this division is $150,000. Any of the parties involved may request a bid at any time during the negotiation process.
When such a fight will take place is unknown. The dates were called May 27 or June 3 on Easter Road Stadium in Edinburgh (Scotland).
Kambosos trolled both Lopez and himself
“Now that the WBO has ordered a fight between Taylor and Lopez, we will work on organizing what could be the best fight of 2023,” wrote in
Twitter promoter Bob Arum (Top Rank).
As for Catterall, he now seems to have his eye on the line against WBC champion Regis Prograis. In January, Lopez pulled out of a fight with Prograis; It’s all about money and a wife.