The IBF has approved Willibaldo Garcia Perez and Rene Calixto Bibiano to fight for their vacant junior bantamweight title.
Perez is ranked No. 3 and Bibiano is the No. 4 for the IBF, with the bout scheduled to take place on December 21 and Twinmesse Shizuoke, Japan. At present, the No. 1 and No.2 slots are vacant. Roman Gonzalez is No. 5.
Perez, 34 years old, is 22-5-1 (13 KOs) and the Mexican has not lost since a split decision defeat to Paul Butler in 2021, winning 10 in a row since. Fellow Mexican Bibiano is unbeaten in 23, with nine stoppage wins. He defeated South African Sikho Nqothole in May.
More to follow.
