By Ronnie Nathanielsz

The International Boxing Federation or IBF has stated that it cannot order newly crowned light flyweight champion Luis Lazarte of Argentina to make the first defense of his title against former champion Carlos Tamara of Colombia from whom he won the title via a split decision in Argentina last May.

IBF Championship Committee chairman Lindsey Tucker said “The IBF cannot order Luis Lazarte to fight anyone until September 29, 2010” and that “until then Lazarte can fight anyone in the top 15 in an optional defense.”

At the same time Tucker said the IBF would approve a rematch between the 27 year old Tamara and the 39 year old Lazarte “should Lazarte decide to give him a rematch.”

An earlier report said Lazarte (46-9-1, 18 KO’s) will make his first title defense against Tamara (21-4, 15 KO’s) from whom he won the title on September 4 in Argentina.

However it was indicated that the winner of the rematch would have to open negotiations for a title defense against No. 1 ranked former world champion Ulises Solis of Mexico.

Solis lost the title in a sensational 11th round knockout to Brian Viloria of the Philippines on April 19, 2009. Viloria in turn lost the crown in his second title defense by a shocking 12th round TKO to Tamara in Manila when international referee Bruce Mc Tavish called a halt with 1:15 remaining in the fight as Tamara has Viloria on the ropes receiving a flurry of unanswered punches.