Teofimo Lopez has received an order from the WBA to defend his world title against Britain's Jack Catterall. Lopez, who became the WBA 'super' welterweight champion last month after a points win over Rolando Romero, is now expected to face Catterall.
Catterall, 33, is the mandatory challenger for Lopez's title. The WBA has set a deadline of 22 October for both parties to reach an agreement, after which a purse bid will be held if no deal is struck.
Catterall secured his position as the number one challenger and WBA 'regular' title-holder by defeating Shakhram Giyasov in May. He acknowledged the WBA's decision on X, addressing Lopez directly.
Lopez, 29, a three-weight world champion, has reportedly been campaigning for a unification bout against WBC champion Ryan Garcia. He could choose to withdraw from negotiations and relinquish his world title, which may lead to Catterall being upgraded to world champion.