The World Boxing Association has ordered Fabio Wardley to fight Kubrat Pulev for the WBA 'Regular' heavyweight title. The two fighters must start negotiations and reach an agreement by April 4th.
This announcement comes as the heavyweight division undergoes some changes. Oleksandr Usyk has established himself as the top dog after beating Tyson Fury twice. He became the undisputed champion last May but had to give up the IBF belt for the rematch with Fury in December.
Daniel Dubois now holds that IBF belt after a surprise knockout win over Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September. As for the WBA 'Regular' title, Pulev won it by beating Mahmoud Charr on points in December.
The WBA announcing this fight order also came with a twist. The winner will have to defend against Michael Hunter within 120 days. At the same time, they've given Usyk a two-year break from mandatory defenses, which could set up a big fight with Dubois for all the belts.
Wardley, the British fighter, has won all 18 of his pro fights with 17 knockouts. He kept his British heavyweight title in October by stopping Frazer Clarke in the first round. That punch was so hard it broke Clarke's upper jaw and cheekbone.
Many boxing fans don't like the WBA 'Regular' belt. They think it's not needed when there's already a champ as good as Usyk. But for now, it looks like Wardley and Pulev will fight for it anyway.
