Top Rank and Eye of the Tiger have until June 26 to finalize a deal for the unbeaten junior welterweight title fight
The IBF has officially ordered Lindolfo Delgado and Artur Biyarslanov to fight for the vacant junior welterweight title after Richardson Hitchins moved away from the belt. The unbeaten contenders now have until June 26 to reach an agreement before the fight heads to purse bids.
Mike Coppinger reported that the IBF sent a letter to the fighters’ promoters giving Top Rank and Eye of the Tiger until June 26 to reach an agreement before the fight heads to a purse bid.
The belt became vacant after Richardson Hitchins gave up the IBF title following his move toward bigger fights at 140 pounds and recent discussions involving major names in the division.
Delgado (23-0, 17 KOs) has quietly worked his way into a title position over the last two years with wins over Bryan Flores, Elvis Rodriguez, and Jamaine Ortiz.
Biyarslanov (20-0, 18 KOs) has built a reputation as one of the heavier punchers at 140 pounds. The Canadian-based contender has stopped seven straight opponents and continued his run earlier this year with another knockout victory, fighting under the Eye of the Tiger banner.
The ordered fight puts together two unbeaten contenders with different styles and different routes to contention. Delgado has relied more on pressure and experience against stronger opposition, while Biyarslanov has built momentum through knockouts and aggressive performances.
If the two sides do not reach a deal before the June 26 deadline, the IBF will move forward with purse bids to determine promotional rights for the fight.
Neither fighter has previously competed for a major world title despite both spending several years climbing through the junior welterweight rankings.
The IBF has ordered a vacant junior welterweight title fight between Lindolfo Delgado and Artur Biyarslanov, per a letter obtained by @ringmagazine. Delgado’s promoter, Top Rank, and Eye of the Tiger have until June 26 to close a deal before purse bids. The title became available…
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) May 27, 2026