Despite Khan’s initial denials, the IBF have outlined that the Briton was given first refusal, and after the former super lightweight champion spurned the opportunity, the organisation turned to compatriot Frankie Gavin who is next in line.
“We can confirm that Amir Khan’s camp turned down the eliminator which Timothy Bradley accepted,” Tucker told World Boxing News.
“Frankie Gavin has until tomorrow to decide if he wants to participate in the welterweight eliminator.”
Gavin is lined up to face the IBF’s International champion Chris Van Heerden on May 9 in his hometown of Birmingham and now needs to weigh up with promoter Eddie Hearn whether to cancel the event and focus solely on Bradley.
Bradley, who was embroiled in a war of words with Khan when they both campaigned at 140lbs, is currently ranked number three, with Khan four and Gavin five. Should Gavin reject the IBF’s advances though, former title holder Shawn Porter would then be approached to face Bradley for the chance to earn a rematch with Brook.
Brook defeated Porter on his home soil in the US last August, before the champion recently defended the title impressively against Jo Jo Dan. Ex-belt holder Porter then made a successful comeback when he defeated Erick Bone last month in California.
Khan has already dismissed a fight with Brook in June as the Bolton man eyes a bout with Chris Algieri instead.
