Zanfer BoxingUnbeaten Lindolfo Delgado of Mexico has received his order to proceed toward a bout for his first world title, Top Rank Vice President Carl Moretti confirmed to BoxingScene Wednesday.
The IBF, in a letter first reported by The Ring Magazine, has informed Delgado 24-0 (16KOs) to begin negotiations with No. 5-ranked contender Movladdin Biyarslanov 21-0 (17KOs).
The fighters have until June 26 to strike a deal, Moretti confirmed, before the bout will be open to purse bids from other promoters.
No. 4-ranked former WBO lightweight champion Keyshawn Davis informed the IBF he was not interested in fighting for the belt left vacant by new Zuffa Boxing welterweight Richardson Hitchins.
Davis 15-0 (10KOs) fought a 140lbs bout earlier this month versus Nahir Albright and won by unanimous decision, but his initial weigh-in figure was over the limit and Davis said, in addition to the weight comfort, there are more lucrative and competitive fights to pursue at welterweight.
The 147lbs champions include Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney and Rolly Romero.
Before Davis’ move, former two-division champion Teofimo Lopez also rejected the offer to fight for the IBF 140lbs belt in favor of a move to welterweight.
Delgado, trained by back-to-back trainer of the year Robert Garcia, last fought in November in Mexico, defeating Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela by split decision.
Biyarslanov, a Russian-born Canadian promoted by Eye of the Tiger, last fought April 9 in Montreal, defeating Mexico’s Jimerr Espinosa by seventh-round TKO.
