Josh Taylor ordered to begin talks on mandatory WBC title defence

Josh Taylor has been told by the WBC that he has to begin negotiations with Jose Zepeda over a mandatory defence of his world title.

Taylor, the undisputed super-lightweight world champion, last fought in February when he beat Jack Catterall in a controversial split decision at Glasgow’s Hydro.

The British Boxing Board of Control ordered an investigation into the scoring of the fight after many within the sport felt that Catterall had won the fight. One judge was downgraded by the governing body as a result and the BBBoC said they would write to the WBC, WBA WBO and IBF to support Catterall as mandatory challenger.

Talyor insisted that he had done enough to keep his four world titles but said that he planned to move up to welterweight for his next fight.

The WBC has now said that he must start talks with Zepeda’s camp or the WBC would open it up to purse bids.

Writing to Taylor, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said: “As per prior communications on several occasions and with the agreement which all 4 presidents (WBC-WBO-IBF-WBA) confirmed in the meeting held in Puerto Rico, the WBC mandatory defense is next, followed by the IBF.

“The WBC is hereby advising the beginning of the free negotiations period for your mandatory title defense versus Jose Zepeda.

“If no agreement is reached the WBC will conduct a purse bid on Tuesday, May 24 2022.”