Deontay Wilder will face Dominic Breazeale next after the WBC confirmed the champion will have to fulfil his mandatory obligation, leaving Dillian Whyte in heavyweight wilderness.
The WBC had initially ordered Breazeale to face Whyte to determine who would face the winner of Wilder's rematch with Tyson Fury. However, those plans were scuppered by Fury's £80m ESPN deal.
That meant Wilder was left lost for an opponent with Anthony Joshua also tied up ahead of his world title defence against Jarrell Miller. But after a meeting at the governing body's convention, Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed his decision to enforce Wilder's mandatory duties due to the recent series of changes in the heavyweight division.
“WBC World Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder shall fulfil his mandatory obligations by fighting Dominic Breazeale next,” the WBC said in a statement.
“This order constitutes the start of the free negotiations period for champion Wilder’s mandatory defence of his title.
“If no agreement is reached between the camps, the WBC shall conduct a purse offer ceremony on 4 April at the WBC Offices in Mexico City, Mexico.”
It's believed Breazeale and Wilder, who bear a long-held grudge after a skirmish involving the pair’s families in February 2017, will meet on May 18 in Brooklyn.
The pair have until April 4 to negotiate the deal, if not, the bout will go to purse bids. However, both fighters have the same advisor in Al Haymon, meaning that scenario is unlikely.
The WBC’s verdict is a blow to Whyte who, having turned down a £5m offer to face Joshua in the summer, has now been left with slim options for a meaningful fight in July.
