The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) has ordered undisputed super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo to fight Australia’s Tim Tszyu.
Tszyu is the mandatory challenger for the title, having beaten Terrell Gausha in Minnesota on March 27 via unanimous decision.
The WBO has written to both parties, advising them that they have until June 20 to reach a deal.
“The WBO World Championship Committee hereby orders the parties herein the commencement of negotiations for the above-mentioned WBO Jr. middleweight mandatory championship contest,” it said in a statement.
“Please be advised that the parties have twenty (20) days upon receipt of this letter to reach an agreement. If an accord is not reached within the time frame set forth herein, a purse bid will be ordered pursuant to the WBO regulations of world championship contests.”
Last month Charlo dismissed the thought of fighting Tszyu, who was knocked down early in his bout with Gausha.
“Didn’t he get dropped? That motherf—er’s out. He got dropped,” Charlo said.
“It’s different heat over here in America, baby. It’s different heat in America.
“How much Tim Too, whatever his f—in’ name is, how much they got? How much money they got? F— you and Tim Kazoo, change the mic.”
MORE TO COME.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!