By Scott Gilfoid: The World Boxing Organization has reportedly ordered WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders (24-0, 12 KOs) to begin negotiations with his #1 mandatory challenger Avtandil Khurtsidze (32-2, 21 KOs), according to Fight News. The promoters for the two fighters have 10 days to try and make a deal. If they fail to do so, then the fight will go to a purse bid.
For Saunders, this is not a good fight for him. The timing is terrible. Saunders was talking earlier this week of a big fight on the horizon, which might actually be true if he wins his title defense against Khurtsidze.