The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee sent notification to Otabek Kholmatov and his team stating that the Uzbek has been named the mandatory challenger in the 126-pound division. 

Following his victory over Thomas Patrick Ward in the final eliminator, the Uzbek is now the official challenger to the title currently held by Mexico’s Mauricio Lara. 

Lara won his belt last February 18 by knocking out Leigh Wood in Nottingham. Pursuant to the WBA rule C.11, which reads “A boxer who obtains a title by defeating a champion must defend his title initially and subsequently against the Official Contender or the leading available contender, as follows: 

Non-Heavyweight Division: If the official contender, within nine (9) months from the date the title was obtained; if not the Official Contender, within one hundred twenty (120) days.” 

Non-Heavyweight Division: if he is the official contender, within nine (9) months from the date he obtained the title; if he is not the Official Contender, within one hundred and twenty (120) days.” 

Should Lara decide to make an optional defense, he must seal that agreement before next April 18. Otherwise, the Championship Committee will issue a mandatory negotiation notice for the WBA featherweight division between the champion and the official challenger. This is in compliance with the WBA rules, specifically rule C-13, which states that 60 days prior to the completion of the deadline for a mandatory fight, the WBA will issue a mandatory negotiation notice for the WBA featherweight division between the champion and the official challenger.