Cacace ordered to defend world title against Samedov

Belfast's Anthony Cacace has been ordered to defend his WBA super-featherweight title against Russia's Elnur Samedov.

Cacace won the title with a points victory over James 'Jazza' Dickens in Dublin on 14 March, improving his record to 25 wins with one defeat.

The 37-year-old called for a unification bout with Mexico's Emanuel Navarrete - who holds the WBO and IBF belts - but instead has been ordered by the WBA to make a first defence against 32-year-old southpaw Samedov (22-1) who won the 'interim' belt with an 11th-round stoppage of John Lenon Gutierrez in February.

Citing Championship Rule C.10 in a statement, the sanctioning body confirmed "both camps will have a 30-day negotiation period to reach an agreement" from today, 2 June.

"A champion is required to defend the title against the highest-ranked available contender within 120 days of winning the championship, provided that no official challenger has been designated," they said.

Also noting Rule C.13, which prohibits champion Cacace from competing against any boxer other than the official challenger during the final 60 days preceding the mandatory defence deadline, they confirmed "both parties are now required to begin negotiations".

Should no agreement be reached, a purse bid may be ordered.