Billy Joe Saunders given IBF option

British middleweight Billy Joe Saunders has been given the option of fighting for the IBF title against Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam.

Saunders already possesses the mandatory status for the WBO title, which Andy Lee will defend against Peter Quillin on April 11, but the European champion could opt to go another route.

After Jermain Taylor was stripped of the IBF belt, the organisation called on N'Dam N'Jikam to face Felix Sturm, who are the two highest-ranked fighters in the standings.

However, after Sturm declined the opportunity to compete for the belt, Saunders has been offered the fight with the Frenchman, a bout that would likely take place in the spring.

Saunders has been given until Thursday to inform the IBF of his decision.