Teams Jean Pascal (36-6-1, 20 KOs) and Joshua Buatsy (16-0, 13 KOs) accepted an invitation from the IBF to fight for the title of contender for the light heavyweight title.
Prior to this, Buatsi was going to fight with Dmitry Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs) for his WBA title in October, but then the Association ordered his champion to defend the belt in a fight with Gilberto Ramirez (44-0, 30 KOs). Eddie Hearn has asked for Bivol's voluntary defense against Buatsi, but teams are likely to turn to the IBF line now.
Both parties will be given time to negotiate. If an agreement is not reached and the organizer chooses a tender, the money from it will be divided 60 to 40 in favor of Buatsi, who occupies a higher place.
The best of this meeting will become the mandatory contender for Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs). The Russian, the unified WBC, IBF and WBO champion in the next fight at the end of October, is likely to face Anthony Yardom (22-2, 21 KOs).
