Bika, a former IBO title holder himself at the weight, will now have the chance regain the a more recognised version of the championship after his comprehensive victory over Nikola Sjekloca in February.
The Atlantic City triumph was the 33 year-old’s third straight win since losing to former champion Andre Ward, who has recently been elevated to ‘champion emeritus’ until he recovers from surgery on an injured shoulder.
Unbeaten pound for pound star Ward, 29, will then fight the new champion as stipulated by the World Boxing Council as the earliest opportunity available once fully recovered and rehabilitated from his setback.
Second challenger Periban, 28, is currently ranked number four by the WBC, stopping thirteen of his 20 opponents inside schedule – and now gains his first world title chance on the same bill as the welterweight clash between Marcos Maidana and Josesito Lopez on June 8th.
