Anthony Yarde and Joshua Buatsi have been ordered by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to fight for the vacant interim light-heavyweight title. The date and location of the fight were not specified in the announcement. This decision follows the cancellation of the undisputed title fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol.
The undisputed title bout was set for June 1 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was cancelled because Beterbiev suffered a meniscus tear. Due to this injury, the WBO decided to create an interim title. A rescheduled match between Beterbiev and Bivol is expected later in 2024.
Early negotiations this year between camps for Yarde and Buatsi stalled despite their prior victories. The WBO has now stepped in, mandating negotiations to conclude within a tight ten-day window. Failing an agreement, the organization will initiate purse bid proceedings with a minimum bid of $300,000. They stated,
“Wherefore, in light of the above and per the relevant WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests, the parties are hereby ordered to commence negotiations for the Interim Light Heavyweight Championship according to the following terms and conditions. The camps are granted 10 days to negotiate and reach an agreement as ordered. Failure to reach an accord within the period outlined herein will result in the Committee ordering purse bid proceedings pursuant to WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.”
Amid these developments, Ben Shalom expressed continued optimism about reaching an agreement between Buatsi and Yarde. He remains “hopeful that a fight between he and the 32-year-old Yarde could still be agreed.”
