By Mark Vester

The management of Isaac Hlatshwayo (28-1, 10KOs) has revealed that their fighter was approved as the mandatory challenger to IBF champion Joshua Clottey (35-2, 20KOs). Hlatshwayo grabbed the mandatory position after Kermit Cintron withdrew from a potential title fight with Clottey and took a bout with WBC interim-junior middleweight champ Sergio Martinez on February 14.

Hlatshwayo has a rematch scheduled with Delvin Rodriguez (23-2, 14KOs) on March 6 at Mohegan Sun. Hlatshwayo's trainer, Nick Durandt, says the negotiations with Clottey have to be completed by February 12, which may or may not leave the Rodriguez rematch up in the air. Durandt has already been in contact with Clottey's promoter, Bob Arum.

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“The IBF has given us until February 12 to conclude negotiations with the Clottey camp, failing which the fight will go to purse bids,” Durandt said to SAPA.

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