The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee ordered the mandatory fight between British featherweight champion Leigh Wood and former interim champion Michael Conlan of Ireland. The winner of the bout will become the mandatory challenger to WBA super champion Leo Santa Cruz.

The bout was ordered under the WBA rules, specifically rules C.12 and C.13. The former explains that the champion must defend against the next leading available contender within 120 days from the date on which he won the crown.

Wood became champion last July 31, so his mandatory should take place by November 30 and in this case he will have to face Conlan.

Rule C.13 states that the champion cannot fight a fighter other than the official challenger within 60 days after the expiration of his mandatory defense period.

The entity sent the communication to both teams, who will have 30 days to negotiate. The period will begin this August 28 and will end on September 27. If the parties do not reach an agreement, the WBA will open the fight to purse bid with a purse split of 55% for Wood and 45% for Conlan.