By Edward Chaykovsky

BoxingScene.com reported a few days ago that the World Boxing Association (WBA) has ordered a mandatory fight between their "super" champion at bantamweight, unbeaten Dominican fighter Juan Carlos Payano (17-0, 8KO), and the "regular" champion of the same division, British boxer Jamie McDonnell (27-2-1, 12KO). Payano is also the world champion at 118-pounds under the IBO.

As previously stated, the parties have 30 days to negotiate. If a deal is not reached, then the two fighters will head to a purse bid. Payano is handled by Premier Boxing Champions by way of manager/adviser Al Haymon. McDonnell is promoted by Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport. There is a close working relationship with Haymon and Hearn.

According to Hearn, McDonnell will defend his title in April before a fight with Payano in the summer. There is no word if Payano plans to make any interim defenses before the mandatory is due.

One option that Hearn likes is a unification with IBF champion Lee Haskins (32-3, 14KOs).

"We are planning a defence for Jamie on April 9 at the O2 with a view to face Payano in the summer," Hearn told Sky Sports. "We also love the Lee Haskins fight and have various offers from the States."

Haskins holds a 2008 eight round decision victory over McDonnell. He was the IBF's interim-champion, but the sanctioning body elevated him to the status of full champion when Randy Caballero failed to make weight for his mandatory defense against Haskins last November. The fight between Haskins and Caballero was scheduled to take place as part of the Saul Alvarez-Miguel Cotto HBO pay-per-view undercard in Las Vegas.

Haskins, inactive since last June, has won his last six bouts since suffering his last setback in 2013.