WBN understands the International Boxing Federation will require Josh Warrington to make a mandatory defense of his title next.
Despite calls for a rematch with Carl Frampton following an epic Fight of the Year contender in 2018, Warrington looks set for another all-UK battle.
Purse bids for an encounter with the undefeated Kid Galahad are closing in on a date, with a Frank Warren v Eddie Hearn bidding war in the works.
The IBF were unable to comment when asked by WBN over the weekend, although Galahad is rated #1 in the current rankings list and due for his shot.
Speaking to Sky Sports this week, Galahad outlined his intention to push through the Warrington fight. The Sheffield man has no intention of hoping the belt becomes vacant.
“Some people might be happier waiting and taking a vacant-title route, but I’m in this game to leave a legacy,” Galahad told Sky Sports.
“I’ve been very patient and always wanted to mix it with the big names and prove myself as belonging at the top table.
“Hopefully Josh gives the fans what they want now and let’s have an all-British showdown, a Yorkshire derby. It would be a great build-up and then a great main event too.”
Warrington has won back-to-back British clashes with Lee Selby and Carl Frampton leading to a nomination for WBN Fighter of the Year in 2018.
The Leeds man may now have a big decision to make regarding his future as Galahad awaits the outcome.
SHIMIZU
Should Warrington push through with a Frampton return, Galahad would likely face Japan’s Satoshi Shimizu for the vacated strap.
Shimizu is an amateur star who earned bronze at the London 2012 Olympics. The 32 year-old attempted to win gold at Rio 2016 but entered the pro ranks after failing to do so.
Since then, a run of eight straight victories in the paid ranks has produced a 100% knockout record.
