Wilder, 31, stopped Gerald Washington in five rounds at the Legacy Arena on Fox Sports to cement his position at the top of the WBC tree on Saturday night.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ had been due to face Alexander Povetkin last May in a stipulated battle, although it’s been well publicized that the Russian failed a pre-fight drug test.
It had been thought that another contender would be drafted to face Stiverne for the number one spot, which has proved not to be the case as the former champion gets his chance immediately.
“The World Boxing Council officially confirms Bermane Stiverne as mandatory contender for Deontay Wilder, Heavyweight champion. Free negotiations for this rematch begin (February 27),” a WBC statement read.
Stiverne lost his title belt to Wilder in January 2015 but remains the only opponent through 38 bouts to go the distance with the current ruler.
‘B-Ware’ has only fought once since going down to Wilder in Las Vegas when beating Derric Rossy over ten rounds and has pretty much been treading water waiting for his chance at revenge.
The pair are expected to meet in the late spring or early summer.
