By Mark Vester

It appears the IBF has ordered a rematch between IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire and South African fighter Moruti Mthalane. Donaire stopped Mthalane in six rounds last November after a cut suffered by Mthalane was deemed too serious to allow him to continue.

There is a conflict.

Doanire is scheduled to return on August 15 as part of a Top Rank pay-per-view. Mthalane’s promoter Branco Milenkovic says the IBF sent a letter to him and Top Rank, ordered both sides to stage the fight before August 1. It’s no secret that Donaire is planning to move up in weight. Bob Arum is trying to make a fight with WBO super flyweight champ Jose Lopez. The recent decision by the IBF could be the extra push for Donaire to move up.

“Mthalane lost in controversial fashion Donaire, so it is also proper that he gets another opportunity to challenge him,” Milenkovic said to SAPA.

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