Anthony Cacace has been ordered to defend his WBA super featherweight title against interim champion and mandatory challenger Elnur Samedov.
Cacace won the belt on March 14 in Dublin by defeating Jazza Dickens, becoming a two-time world champion. The Belfast fighter had hoped to push toward a unification fight, calling for a clash with WBO and IBF champion Emanuel Navarrete, but the WBA has now moved him toward a mandatory first defense.
Samedov earned his interim title with an 11th-round stoppage of John Lenon Gutierrez, and the WBA has confirmed that both teams have until July 2 to reach an agreement. If no deal is made, the fight will go to purse bid.
Under WBA rules, Cacace must make his mandatory defense within 120 days of winning the title, meaning the bout has to take place no later than July 14. He is also blocked from facing anyone other than Samedov during the final 60 days before that deadline.
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