The Northern Irishman, 28, has been linked to a possible all-UK clash with Scott Quigg recently and talks had been held for what would be a huge grudge match involving two of the best 122 pound fighters on the planet.
It now seems that obligations to the IBF are set to make things that much more difficult for Frampton and Quigg’s representatives to finally get the fight made for the fans who crave it.
‘The Jackal’ will be ordered to enter a period of talks with Wake, also 28, this Monday, which could see the Quigg fight put on hold until spring 2016 at the earliest.
IBF Chairman Lindsey Tucker told World Boxing News: “Carl Frampton will be notified on September 28, 2015 to start negotiations with mandatory challenger Shingo Wake.”
Japan’s number one Wake has four losses and two draws from his 25 contests and will be seen as a relatively straightforward opponent for Frampton who has recently been campaigning on Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions circuit.
Frampton last fought in July when out-pointing Alejandro Gonzalez Jr in Texas and it was hoped the path would be clear for the undefeated world title holder to meet Quigg at a neutral venue later this year or early next.
Tucker also explained to WBN recently that Frampton will not be allowed a unification with Quigg as the Manchester fighter only holds the WBA ‘regular’ version and the IBF do not recognise that belt as a fully-fledged world crown.
That means either fighter would have to vacant their title in order to secure a lucrative showdown.
