The WBA has ordered a fight between bantamweight duo Jamie McDonnell and Juan Carlos Payano to take place at some point during the first half of 2016.
The two fighters currently hold titles with the governing body, with McDonnell seen as the 'regular' belt holder and Payano seen as the 'Super' champion.
However, with the WBA looking to crown one world champion in each of its weight divisions, it has called for Doncaster-based fighter McDonnell and Dominican Republic representative Payano to meet inside the ring, but promoter Eddie Hearn is hopeful of delaying the showdown until the summer.
Hearn told Sky Sports News that he hopes to include McDonnell on the bill at London's O2 Arena on April 9, ahead of a meeting with Payano.
McDonnell, who has won 27 of his 30 fights, twice beat Tomoki Kameda in the United States last year, while Payano is unbeaten in 17 outings as a professional.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
