By Mark Vester

According to the press in Australia, IBF president Marian Muhammad has promised to name Lovemore Ndou as the IBF junior welterweight champion after Ricky Hatton vacated the title to face Jose Luis Castillo on June 23 in las Vegas. 

Once Ndou is officially named as the champion, it is anticipated that the IBF will order him to make a mandatory defense of his title in the next few months against the highest possible contender, which is number two ranked Demetrius Hopkins.

Hopkins, an undefeated prospect (25-0, 10KOs) under the Golden Boy Promotions banner and managed by his famous uncle Bernard, has a bout lined up against former champion Steve Forbes on March 17. If he wins, the IBF will likely present him with the option to face Ndou for the title.

Ndou is hoping the IBF will allow him to make one voluntary defense of the title before he is obligated to make a mandatory defense.