By Rick Reeno
BoxingScene.com has been advised that Joshua Clottey has officially vacated his IBF welterweight title. The IBF was leaning on Clottey to make a mandatory defense against Isaac Hlatswayo of South Africa. The move to vacate was no surprise. Clottey is scheduled to take part in the biggest fight of his career when he challenges Miguel Cotto for the WBO title on June 13 at New York's Madison Square Garden.
From what I was told, Isaac Hlatswayo and Rafael Jackiewicz, the two highest ranked available contenders, have been ordered to fight for the vacant title. The two sides were given until May 16 to reach a deal or the fight will head to purse bid.