On the back of Spence putting in a highly impressive performance against tough Italian Leonard Bundu on Sunday, the IBF outlined what happens next.
“We will notify Kell Brook (about his obligation to Errol Spence Jr.) on October 26, 2016,” IBF Chairman Lindsey Tucker exclusively told World Boxing News on Monday.
This mean Brook, scheduled to face Gennady Golovkin for the middleweight title on September 10, will have just six weeks to contemplate his future – win or lose in London.
‘The Special One’ was given special permission to move up two divisions to battle ‘GGG’ in a blockbuster HBO/Sky Sports pay-per-view clash and still remain the 147 pound title holder with the IBF.
In accordance to the IBF’s mandatory ruling, Brook will be expected to adhere to the following:
The Championships Chairman will notify the Champion and the mandatory challenger approximately sixty (60) days prior to the mandatory due date and the boxers must observe that obligation.
The Champion shall negotiate with the leading available contender as designated by the Championships Chairman and the President.
If they are unable to negotiate the terms of the bout within thirty (30) days, they have the obligation to proceed to a purse bid under the procedure set forth in Rule 10.
(a) The Champion and the mandatory Challenger may not box any other
contestant within 60 days of the mandatory due date.
(b) A Champion’s failure to comply with this obligation will be sufficient cause
to have the Championships Committee and Board of Directors consider
withdrawing recognition of the title.
(c) The Challenger’s failure to comply with this rule will result in the
Championships Committee recognizing the next leading available
contender as the mandatory challenger and moving the challenger
to a position below #10 in the rankings for at least six (6) months.
Should Brook upset the odds to defeat Golovkin, chances are the Sheffield man will remain at 160 and vacate the welterweight crown for Spence to fight for against the next available contender.
