The World Boxing Association (WBA) championships committee of the pioneer organization ordered this Tuesday, May 30, the mandatory bout between World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Leigh Wood and challenger Otabek Kholmatov. 

Wood just defeated Mauricio Lara last Saturday to win the 126-pound belt and now he must face the division’s mandatory challenger.

WBA rules allow the President and Committee to define a mandatory period at their discretion. WBA Rule C.11 states that “A boxer who obtains a title by defeating a champion must defend his title initially and thereafter against the official contender or the top available contender, as follows: Non-heavyweight division: if the official contender, within nine (9) months from the date of obtaining the title; if not the Official Contender, within one hundred and twenty (120) days.”

Since he won the title on May 27, 2023, his next mandatory fight must be no later than September 26, 2023 and will be against the official contender, Otabek Kholmatov.

The30-day period starts on Tuesday, May 30 and will run until next June 29, 2023.

If no agreement is reached, or if either party expresses unwillingness to negotiate, the Championships Committee may call for an auction.