The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee ordered the mandatory bout between super lightweight champion Josh Taylor and first challenger Alberto Puello.

In a communication sent to both parties, the pioneer organization notified them they will have a 30-day period to negotiate, starting on March 8.

Taylor won his championship on October 26, 2019 and his mandatory defense period as super champion was 18 months, so he had to fight the mandatory before April 25, 2021.

Rule C.13 Fighting Limitations, states that the champion cannot defend against an opponent other than the mandatory challenger within 60 days after the expiration of his mandatory defense period.

For that reason, the showdown between Taylor and Puello has been ordered. If no agreement is reached or if either party is unwilling to negotiate, the WBA Championships Committee may call for a purse bid for the fight.