IBF haven’t received notification Frampton won’t defend against Wake

The IBF claim they have received  no notification that Carl Frampton will not fulfill his IBF mandatory obligations and expect him to defend against Shingo Wake next.

US Boxing broadcaster Showtime left a space on their Summer roster for a late Summer WBA featherweight world title bout between ‘The Jackal’ and long term target Leo Santa Cruz.

Indeed, Showtime claimed a deal in principle had been agreed, but neither camp had confirmed the fight will go ahead.

However, speaking to World Boxing News the IBF confirmed they had not received indication from Cyclone Promotion that Ireland’s first unified champion has ideas on vacating.

“We have not been officially informed of Carl Frampton’s decision. As far as we know, he will do the IBF mandatory,” IBF Chairman Lindsey Tucker exclusively told World Boxing News.

“Under IBF Rules, if the title is vacant, we order the two highest ranked available contenders to fight for the title (Wake and Vargas).”

The IBF also haven’t set a deal deadline suggesting talks are on going. It is possible but unlikely that Frampton could make a mandatory defence in early Summer and fight Santa Cruz in August. 

Team Frampton have yet to confirm their next move, but they have continually said Santa Cruz is the number one choice.