The winner of Anthony Cacace vs. Nick Ball on December 19 will be required to face Elnur Samedov next, following a ruling from the WBA.
Cacace has been elevated to WBA “super” champion ahead of his title defense against Ball at The O2 in Belfast, while Samedov has been upgraded from interim to “regular” champion.
The WBA had previously ordered Cacace to face Samedov, but negotiations were suspended after the British Boxing Board of Control rejected a request for Samedov to compete in the United Kingdom.
Queensberry Promotions was then granted an exemption allowing Cacace to make a voluntary defense against Ball. The winner will have 12 days after the fight to confirm whether they will defend against Samedov, with that bout required to take place on neutral territory.
The WBA has also stated that no further exemption will be granted, including for a possible unification, while the division remains split between multiple champions.
Cacace won the title by defeating James “Jazza” Dickens on points in March, while Ball will be attempting to become a two-weight champion. Samedov won his interim belt by stopping John Lenon Gutierrez in the 11th round in February.
Image Credit: The Ring