Spence and Ponomarev had been urged to begin talks on a final eliminator for the mandatory position to challenge current belt holder Kell Brook but as yet there has been no deal forthcoming between the pair.
Brook, who has held the championship since August 2014, recently fulfilled his obligation to the IBF when defeating Kevin Bizier in Sheffield and is not due to negotiate with the winner until the end of this year.
That gives Spence, 26, and 23 year-old Ponomarev ample time to arrange their meeting, which should take place in the United States at some point this summer.
Both fighters are highly regarded in the current 147 pound climate having amassed standout undefeated records. American Spence is 20-0 with 17 stoppages and touted as a potential future pound for pound star of the sport, whilst Ponomarev has put together an impressive 30-0 record with 13 early finishes and recently ended Brad Solomon’s 26-0 run.
Ponomarev will undoubtedly begin as the underdog in the fight as fans lick their lips at the prospect of a hard-punching clash between Brook and Spence in late 2016 or early 2017.
The promising Russian will be hoping to spoil that party.
