The World Boxing Association championship committee have ordered World Champion Nathan Cleverly to defend his World title against interim champion Dmitry Bivol.
The Welshman became World Champion in October 2016 with a win over Germany Juergen Braehmer in six rounds. Cleverly’s current record is 30 wins and 3 losses, and 16 knockouts.
The World Champion had 120 days to have a mandatory fight and the deadline has now expired.
The interim champion Bivol won the title in May 2016, after defeating Felix Valera by unanimous decision, the champion has already defended his title twice. His record stands at an impressive (11-0), including 9 knockouts.
Both teams have been told they have 30 days, as from July 27th, 2017; to reach agreement or the fight will be called purse bids.