The IBF has moved to make Carl Froch stablemate George Groves the mandatory challenger to the Nottingham fighter’s red belt.
According to the organization, the Matchroom fighters must reach an agreement by July 12.
They must arrange the clash by mid-October to avoid the possibility of Froch being stripped of the title without throwing a punch.
It seems a surprising move by the IBF to put such a short time limit on discussions. Although as long as both camps are talking, an extension of the deadline may be able to be negotiated by promoter Eddie Hearn.
CARL FROCH REMATCH
Hearn has already hinted that the in-house fight could be made for this year. That would be preparation for newly-turned 36-year-old Froch possibly facing the world’s best in Andre Ward.
The pair could have a rematch of their Super-Six battle of late 2011. This nudge by the IBF may now confirm his original thinking.
Londoner Groves, 25, has been chomping at the bit to the get ‘The Cobra’ in the ring since his win over ex-world title holder Glen Johnson in December and may now get his wish after former mandatory Adonis Stevenson moved up to shock Chad Dawson at 175lbs.
